Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has disclosed that he refused to pay a ₦300 million ransom when his brothers were kidnapped in 2019, insisting that giving in to the demands of kidnappers only fuels the growing menace of abductions.
Lawal made the revelation on Thursday while speaking at the ARISE News and THISDAY Townhall Conference in Abuja, where he reiterated his administration's policy of never negotiating with criminals.
Recalling the incident, the governor said the kidnappers demanded ₦300 million for the release of his brothers, but he rejected the demand outright and told them to kill the victims if they wished.
"My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019, and these criminals were demanding about ₦300 million at the time," Lawal said.
"I told them, 'I'm not going to pay a dime. If you like, go and kill them.'
"The moment we continue paying ransom, we encourage these criminals to keep kidnapping more people. I will not negotiate, and I will not pay ransom to any criminal, no matter what happens."
According to the governor, his brothers were eventually freed after spending three months in captivity without any ransom being paid.
Lawal argued that refusing to pay ransom would make kidnappers reconsider their actions, as they would realise there was no financial incentive in carrying out abductions.
Speaking on the country's security challenges, the governor renewed his call for the establishment of state police, stressing that governors should have operational control over security agencies if they are to be held accountable for protecting lives and property.
He described it as frustrating to be referred to as the "Chief Security Officer" of a state while lacking constitutional authority over the police and other security agencies.
"Security is the foundation of development," Lawal said, questioning how governors could be blamed for insecurity when they have no command over the Nigeria Police Force.
He maintained that the creation of state police would strengthen accountability, improve response to local security threats, and enable state governments to adequately fund, train and equip security personnel.
The governor also highlighted the challenges facing the Nigeria Police Force, citing inadequate funding, poor training and low welfare as factors undermining officers' effectiveness and commitment.
Lawal said the Zamfara State Government has continued to make significant investments in security, noting that his administration currently finances more than 30 per cent of security operations across the state.
He revealed that the government has supplied over 500 operational vehicles to various security agencies within the past three years and recently procured 35 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to strengthen security operations.
In addition, he said the state has acquired surveillance and attack drones to enhance intelligence gathering and support ongoing operations against bandits and other criminal elements.
Lawal maintained that strengthening security agencies through improved funding, training, welfare and modern technology remains the most effective approach to tackling banditry and kidnapping, rather than negotiating with armed groups.
