Zamfara Governor Refuses Ransom, Calls for State Police
Analysis based on 20 articles · First reported Jul 05, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026
The governor's refusal to pay ransom and call for state police may reduce kidnapping incidents in Zamfara if adopted widely, potentially lowering security costs for businesses. However, the ongoing insecurity continues to deter investment in the region.
Nigeria — Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated his administration's hardline stance against negotiating with bandits and paying ransom. He revealed that in 2019, kidnappers demanded N300 million for the release of his brothers, but he refused to pay, telling them to kill his brothers if they wished. The brothers were eventually released after three months without ransom. Lawal argues that ransom payments fuel kidnapping and embolden criminal gangs. He has renewed his call for the establishment of state police, stating that governors cannot secure states without operational control over security agencies. The Nigeria — Zamfara State Government has committed significant resources to security, including over 500 operational vehicles, 35 armored personnel carriers, and surveillance drones. The Nigerian military conducted a precision airstrike on a bandits' enclave in Dogon Dawa, reportedly killing several bandits. Lawal's stance has reignited debate on ransom payments and state policing in Nigeria.
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