A Nigerian civil society group, Concerned Citizens of Nigeria (CCN), has raised strong objections against Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, by petitioning the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) governments to impose a travel ban on him.

The organisation accused the governor of failing to end terrorism and persistent banditry in Zamfara, despite openly admitting he possesses credible intelligence on the activities and hideouts of armed groups in the state.

CCN’s Petition Against Governor Dauda Lawal

The petition, signed on September 16, 2025, by Dr. Emmanuel Agabi, Executive Secretary of CCN, alleged that the governor’s refusal to take decisive action has worsened insecurity, leaving innocent civilians at the mercy of violent attacks.

According to the group, the failure of Governor Lawal to act demonstrates incompetence and incapacity to lead. They insisted that if he cannot address the ongoing bloodshed, he should resign from office immediately.

Call for Travel Ban and Asset Freeze

In its petition, CCN went further by demanding that all assets linked to the Zamfara governor in the United States and United Kingdom be frozen. The organisation stressed that effective sanctions would hold Governor Lawal accountable and send a clear message to leaders across the globe who condone or collaborate with terrorists.

The petition partly read:

“If Governor Dauda Lawal has an iota of shame and truly feels powerless, then honor should compel him to step down. What relevance does a leader hold when his legacy is built on incompetence?”

The group also reminded the US that it has previously sanctioned leaders from Asia, Africa, and Latin America for similar complicity with terrorism, and failure to act on Lawal would devalue the lives of Nigerian citizens.

Extension of Sanctions Beyond the US and UK

CCN further urged the European Union and the Commonwealth to impose corresponding sanctions. They argued that democratic nations must not provide safe havens for leaders suspected of enabling terrorists or failing to combat insecurity.

According to the group, the requested sanctions do not violate Nigeria’s sovereignty but rather reflect the sovereign rights of other nations to determine who is welcome within their borders.

Allegations of Complicity in Terrorism

The petition alleged that Governor Lawal’s own statements incriminate him. CCN stressed that his acknowledgment of knowing the locations, families, and leaders of terrorists, yet choosing inaction, amounts to confession of complicity.

“Your Excellency, this case is not fabricated. It is Governor Dauda Lawal’s own testimony against himself. He admitted to knowing the bandits and their whereabouts, yet refused to act while lives continue to be lost. This is complicity and an admission of guilt.”

Call to Action from the International Community

The group urged the US government and its allies to treat the matter as urgent, stressing that silence would embolden other leaders to manipulate terrorism as a political tool.

The petition concluded by appealing for justice on behalf of widows, orphans, and displaced persons across Zamfara, insisting that Governor Lawal should be declared persona non grata:

“For the widows of Zamfara, the orphans in refugee camps, and the moral integrity of democracy, we urge you to act. Let Dauda Lawal be declared unwelcome in the free world. His name should serve as a deterrent to any leader seeking to use terrorism for personal or political gain.”