Zamfara Governor Reveals Bandits Kidnapped His Brothers, Says He Rejected ₦300 Million Ransom Demand

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has revealed that armed bandits once abducted his brothers and demanded a ransom of ₦300 million, but he refused to negotiate or make any payment, arguing that paying kidnappers only fuels more criminal activities.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the governor said the incident reinforced his long-standing position against ransom payments and negotiations with armed groups responsible for widespread insecurity across northern Nigeria.

According to Lawal, the kidnapping occurred in 2019 when the abductors contacted the family with a demand for hundreds of millions of naira. Despite the pressure, he said he stood by his decision not to finance criminal networks, even if it meant facing painful personal consequences.

“My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019, and these criminals demanded ₦300 million. I told them, ‘I’m not going to pay a dime. If you like, go ahead and kill them,'” the governor said while explaining his position on combating insecurity.

Governor Maintains Firm Position Against Negotiating With Bandits

Lawal stressed that governments and individuals should avoid paying ransoms because such payments provide financial support to criminal groups and encourage further kidnappings.

He said every successful ransom payment strengthens the operational capacity of bandits, enabling them to acquire more weapons, recruit additional members, and expand their activities into more communities.

The governor reaffirmed that his administration would continue pursuing security measures aimed at dismantling criminal networks rather than rewarding them financially.

Supports State Police to Improve Security

Beyond rejecting ransom payments, Lawal also expressed support for the establishment and funding of state police as part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

He stated that he is prepared to commit state resources toward building an effective state policing system if it becomes operational, arguing that locally controlled security structures could respond more quickly to threats affecting rural communities.

The debate over state police has gained momentum in recent years as several governors have called for constitutional reforms that would allow states to establish their own police forces alongside the Nigeria Police Force.

Background: Zamfara’s Long Battle With Banditry

Zamfara remains one of the states most affected by armed banditry in Nigeria’s North-West region. For years, criminal gangs have carried out attacks on villages, highways, schools, and farms, leading to thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and frequent kidnappings for ransom.

Security agencies have conducted multiple military operations against the armed groups, while federal and state governments have explored different strategies ranging from military offensives to peace initiatives. However, kidnapping for ransom continues to pose a significant security and humanitarian challenge across several northern states.

Why This Story Matters

Lawal’s comments stand out because they reflect a personal experience rather than a purely political position. His account illustrates the difficult choices faced by families whose relatives are kidnapped while also contributing to the ongoing national debate over whether ransom payments help save lives or ultimately strengthen criminal organizations.

His endorsement of state police also adds to growing calls for reforms aimed at improving local security and addressing the persistent threat posed by armed groups.

Timeline

• 2019: Governor Dauda Lawal says his brothers were abducted by bandits, who demanded a ₦300 million ransom.
• Following the kidnapping: Lawal says he refused to pay or negotiate with the kidnappers.
• Thursday (Abuja): The governor publicly recounted the incident while reiterating his opposition to ransom payments and voicing support for state police.