Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has revealed that he rejected a N300 million ransom demand after his brothers were kidnapped in 2019, saying paying criminals only fuels more abductions.
Speaking on Thursday at the ARISE News and THISDAY Townhall Conference in Abuja, the governor said he stood by his decision despite the personal consequences.
Lawal disclosed that the kidnappers demanded N300 million for his brothers’ release, but he refused to negotiate.
“My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019, and these criminals were demanding at the time about N300 million. And I said, look, I’m not going to pay a dime. If you like, go and kill them,” he said.
According to the governor, his brothers were eventually released after spending three months in captivity without any ransom being paid.
Lawal maintained that paying kidnappers only emboldens criminal groups and encourages further kidnappings.
“By the time we continue to pay ransom to these people, we are encouraging them to be kidnapping people more and more,” he said.
He added that his position remains unchanged, insisting he would never negotiate with or pay ransom to criminals.
The governor made the remarks while advocating for the creation of state police, arguing that governors should have operational control over security agencies if they are to be held accountable for protecting lives and property.
Lawal said one of the frustrations of being governor is being regarded as the state’s chief security officer without having command over security agencies.
He questioned how governors could be held responsible for insecurity when they lack authority to direct security operations.
The governor argued that state policing would improve accountability, allowing residents to hold elected leaders responsible for security outcomes while enabling states to adequately fund, train and equip personnel.
He also criticised the Nigeria Police Force over inadequate funding, poor welfare and insufficient training, saying these challenges affect officers’ effectiveness.
Highlighting Zamfara’s security investments, Lawal said his administration now funds more than 30 per cent of security operations in the state.
He disclosed that the state has procured more than 500 vehicles for security agencies over the past three years and recently supplied 35 Armoured Personnel Carriers and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.
Lawal added that the state has also acquired surveillance and attack drones to support security forces in tackling banditry and kidnapping.
He insisted that strengthening security agencies through better funding, training and technology, rather than negotiating with armed groups, remains the most effective approach to addressing insecurity.
The governor’s comments come amid renewed national debate over the establishment of state police as part of broader security reforms.
