Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has revealed that he rejected a ₦300 million ransom demand when his brothers were kidnapped in 2019, insisting that paying criminals only fuels more abductions.
Speaking at the ARISE News and THISDAY Townhall Conference in Abuja, Lawal said he took a firm stance against the kidnappers despite the personal risk.
“My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019, and these criminals were demanding about ₦300 million. I said, look, I’m not going to pay a dime. If you like, go and kill them,” he recounted.
The governor explained that his brothers were eventually released after three months in captivity without any ransom being paid. He stressed that his position remains unchanged: “I will not negotiate, and I will not pay ransom to any criminal, no matter what happens.”
Lawal used the experience to argue for the creation of state police, noting that governors are often described as “chief security officers” without having operational control over security agencies.
He questioned how governors could be held accountable for insecurity when they lack authority over policing.
He emphasized that security is the foundation of development, adding that state police would allow citizens to hold leaders directly responsible for safety outcomes.
Highlighting Zamfara’s investments in security, Lawal disclosed that his administration funds over 30 percent of operations in the state, has procured more than 500 vehicles for agencies, and recently provided 35 Armoured Personnel Carriers and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.
He also noted the deployment of surveillance and attack drones to aid security forces.Lawal maintained that strengthening agencies through funding, training, and technology not ransom payments remains the best way to combat banditry and kidnapping.
His remarks come amid growing national debate over state police and broader security reforms.
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