The Federal Government has vehemently denied reports claiming that it is engaging in negotiations with notorious bandits and other terrorists causing havoc in Zamfara State. These allegations were made by the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, who accused the FG of negotiating with terrorists in certain local government areas of the state without his knowledge.

Governor Dauda Lawal demanded that the FG clarify the allegations and launch an investigation into the actions of individuals who are sabotaging the ongoing fight against banditry in the state. The statement from the governor’s media aide, Sulaiman Idris, urged the FG to address the issue promptly.

Reacting to these allegations, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, refuted the claims, stating that Governor Dauda Lawal should appreciate the efforts of the security agencies and FG institutions. Instead, the governor chose to play politics with this sensitive matter, solely to achieve cheap political gains.

In a statement issued by Suleiman Haruna, the Deputy Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Minister expressed his concern that the security situation in Zamfara State is being politicized. He emphasized that federal government institutions are legally empowered to take action, with or without prompting, to ensure the safe return of citizens who have been illegally taken hostage, such as the abducted students of the Federal University Gusau.

The Minister affirmed that no official of the federal government is engaged in negotiations with any bandit or group of bandits. He further stated that while the government is determined to explore all available avenues to de-escalate tension and restore peace to the communities ravaged by banditry, if communities choose to take inspiration from successful peace initiatives in other parts of the country and engage in dialogue, the federal government would not hastily condemn such people-driven initiatives.

The Minister assured Nigerians that the federal government and its institutions are diligently working to turn around the current security situation and put an end to banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality. He also emphasized the importance of keeping political differences and personal vendettas separate from national security matters to avoid demoralizing the troops and derailing the government’s efforts.

Finally, the Minister emphasized that the federal government is willing to listen and engage in ongoing discussions with all stakeholders across the country to find a lasting solution to our security challenges. He called upon everyone to come together and work towards a secure and peaceful Nigeria.