Security Forces Intensify Offensive As Zamfara Rejects Bandit Dialogue
Zamfara Stands Firm Against Bandit Negotiations as Rescue Operations Yield Results
Governor Reaffirms Hardline Security Policy
THE Zamfara State Government has reiterated its refusal to negotiate with armed bandits, insisting that sustained military operations remain the most effective strategy for restoring peace and dismantling criminal networks operating across the state.
The position was reaffirmed by Governor Dauda Lawal through his Chief of Staff, Mukhtar Musa, during the inauguration of the Association of Zamfara State Indigenes Residing in Kaduna State.
According to Musa, the administration remains committed to supporting security agencies with logistics, operational resources and intelligence-driven collaboration aimed at defeating armed groups responsible for kidnappings, attacks and other violent crimes.
“The governor will never negotiate with bandits. Those willing to surrender should do so or face the full weight of the law,” he declared.
Residents Urged to Support Security Agencies
While reaffirming the government’s hardline stance, Musa called on residents to play an active role in combating insecurity by providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
He noted that community participation remains essential to ongoing security operations and stressed that timely information would significantly improve efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to development and social cohesion, describing the Kaduna-based association as an important platform for promoting unity among Zamfara indigenes.
As part of the occasion, the state government announced a donation of ₦5 million to support the association’s activities.
Security Offensive Secures Freedom for 22 Kidnap Victims
In a separate security breakthrough, 22 abducted persons regained their freedom following coordinated operations conducted along the forest corridor linking Kwara and Kogi states.
Security sources attributed the successful rescue to sustained offensives carried out by the Kogi State Joint Security Operations, comprising military personnel, police officers, local hunters and vigilante groups.
Those rescued included four victims abducted from Idofin-Igbana, 15 worshippers kidnapped from Ikerin Church in Eda Oniyo, and three worshippers taken from ECWA Church, Omugo.
Community leaders welcomed the development, describing the operation as a significant relief for affected families while expressing hope that remaining captives would also regain their freedom.
Operation Hadin Kai Intensifies Search in Borno
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Hadin Kai rescued six kidnap victims—including four adults and two infants—during ongoing search-and-rescue operations in Borno State.
Military authorities said the victims were recovered in Talakawa, Chibok Local Government Area, following coordinated air and ground operations supported by actionable intelligence.
The rescued victims, who were abducted in May, have been evacuated for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Troops also recovered 50 rounds of PKT ammunition abandoned by fleeing insurgents during the operation.
Search Continues for Missing Students
The military confirmed that operations remain ongoing to locate dozens of abducted students, including 42 pupils from Mussa and 36 students of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, who remain in captivity.
Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and avoid circulating unverified information capable of undermining ongoing rescue operations.
The latest developments underscore continued efforts by both state governments and federal security agencies to strengthen counter-banditry and counter-insurgency operations across Nigeria’s troubled regions.
