Dauda Lawal Recounts Rejecting ₦300m Ransom Demand for Kidnapped Brothers

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal revealed his refusal to pay a N300 million ransom for his kidnapped brothers in 2019, asserting that paying ransoms encourages further abductions. He reiterated his firm stance against negotiating with criminals and called for the establishment of state police, arguing that governors need operational control over security agencies. Lawal emphasized that improved funding, training, and technology for security forces are the best approaches to tackle insecurity.

Pelumi Ilesanmi • Local • 8 hours ago • 2 minute read •

Key Points

• Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has publicly asserted his firm stance against negotiating with kidnappers and paying ransom, based on a personal experience where his brothers were released without payment.

• Governor Lawal renewed his call for the establishment of state police, arguing that governors lack operational control despite being chief security officers.

• His administration has made substantial investments in security infrastructure, providing over 500 vehicles, 35 APCs and MRAPs, and acquiring surveillance and attack drones.

Dauda Lawal Recounts Rejecting ₦300m Ransom Demand for Kidnapped Brothers

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has reaffirmed his opposition to negotiating with kidnappers or paying a ransom, revealing that he refused to pay ₦300 million demanded for the release of his brothers after they were abducted in 2019.

Speaking at the Arise News/THISDAY Town Hall Conference on State Police and National Security in Abuja, Lawal said he told the kidnappers they could kill his brothers if they wished because he would not pay.

According to the governor, his brothers were eventually released after three months in captivity without any ransom being paid, reinforcing his belief that ransom payments only encourage more kidnappings.

Lawal argued that yielding to kidnappers fuels insecurity by making abductions more profitable for criminal groups. He maintained that his administration would never negotiate with or pay criminals, regardless of the circumstances.

The governor also renewed his call for the creation of state police, insisting it is contradictory to hold governors responsible for security while denying them operational control over security agencies.

Highlighting Zamfara's investment in security, Lawal disclosed that the state funds more than 30 percent of security operations within its borders. He said his administration has supplied over 500 vehicles to security agencies in the past three years, including 35 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, while also procuring surveillance and attack drones.

According to him, strengthening security through better funding, technology, and training, Not ransom payments, remains the most effective way to combat kidnapping and banditry.