THE governor of Zamfara State, has revealed that he rejected a ₦300 million ransom demand when his brothers were abducted in 2019, insisting that paying kidnappers only fuels more criminal activities.
Speaking today at the ARISE News and THISDAY Townhall Conference in Abuja, Lawal said he remained firm despite the emotional burden of the incident.
According to the governor, the kidnappers demanded ₦300 million for the release of his brothers, but he refused to negotiate or make any payment.
He said he even told the abductors they could kill his brothers if they wished, maintaining that he would not give in to their demands.
Lawal disclosed that after spending three months in captivity, his brothers were eventually released without any ransom being paid.
He argued that the continued payment of ransom emboldens criminal groups and encourages more kidnappings, stressing that refusing to negotiate would discourage such crimes in the long run.
The governor reaffirmed his stance, declaring that he would never negotiate with or pay ransom to criminals under any circumstance.
Lawal made the remarks while advocating for the establishment of state police, saying governors should have operational control over security agencies if they are to be held responsible for protecting lives and property.
He expressed frustration that, although governors are referred to as the chief security officers of their states, they lack the authority to direct the operations of security agencies.
According to him, security is the foundation of development, making it unfair to hold governors accountable for insecurity when they have no command over the police and other security formations.
Lawal said the creation of state police would improve accountability, as citizens would be able to directly assess the performance of elected leaders on security matters. He also argued that states would be in a better position to adequately fund, train and equip their security personnel.
The governor further noted that the Nigeria Police Force faces challenges including inadequate funding, poor welfare and insufficient training, all of which affect its effectiveness.
Highlighting his administration’s efforts to improve security in Zamfara, Lawal said the state currently finances more than 30 per cent of security operations.
He added that over 500 vehicles had been procured for security agencies in the past three years, while 35 Armoured Personnel Carriers and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles were recently acquired to strengthen operations.
He also disclosed that the state had invested in both surveillance and attack drones to enhance intelligence gathering and support security forces in combating banditry and other criminal activities.
Lawal maintained that improving funding, training and technology for security agencies, rather than negotiating with armed groups, remains the most effective strategy for tackling kidnapping and banditry.
His comments come amid growing national discussions on state policing and broader security reforms, with supporters arguing that decentralising policing would strengthen accountability and improve responses to local security challenges.
