In a significant boost to counterterrorism efforts amid ongoing banditry in Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal on Wednesday handed over 25 armoured personnel carriers (APCs), surveillance drones, and additional operational equipment to Nigerian Army troops.
The ceremony took place at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital, with Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, in attendance. The handover aims to enhance troop protection in high-risk areas, improve rapid response capabilities, and provide better situational awareness through aerial surveillance.
One key asset is an 80-metre endurance surveillance drone capable of covering up to 50 kilometres and operating continuously for eight hours, enabling real-time reconnaissance, terrain assessment, and coordinated operations between command centres and field units.
Governor Lawal emphasized the broader security context, noting years of banditry have devastated rural communities, farming, road safety, markets, and economic confidence. He highlighted his administration's "rescue mission" approach, which includes structured reforms, closer military coordination, community protection guards for grassroots intelligence, and prior distributions such as:
150 new Hilux vehicles to security agencies (police, DSS, NSCDC)
20 Toyota Buffaloes (10 armoured, 10 soft skin)
Over 600 specialised motorcycles for rapid response in difficult terrain
60 new Hilux vehicles and motorcycles to community protection guards
The state operates a Security Trust Fund to ensure predictable logistical support.In his remarks, Lawal stated:
“Beyond ground mobility, the integration of unmanned aerial systems expands reconnaissance reach. This is why we are also providing the drones. Aerial surveillance improves situational awareness, assists terrain assessment, and supports more precise coordination between command centres and field units. Real-time information strengthens decision-making and reduces operational blind spots.”
Defence Minister Christopher Musa praised the governor's commitment, saying:
“From what I have seen, if we continue like this in the second term, Zamfara will look like Dubai. The protection of lives and properties rises above party lines, political affiliations and differences... It takes courage and firm conviction for subnational leadership to commit substantial resources towards strengthening public safety, and the best thing about this is that everything has been paid for. This sends a strong message to criminals.”
The initiative reflects growing state-federal collaboration in tackling insecurity in Zamfara and the North-West region, focusing on intelligence-driven operations and sustained logistical backing to restore stability and economic recovery.
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