Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has disclosed that over 50 bandits were killed during military operations on Friday.

The governor disclosed this during an interview with BBC Hausa on Monday.

Mr Lawal, who had earlier vowed not to negotiate with bandits, said with intense military operations, their days are numbered.

The governor also hinted that he would consider negotiating with the terrorist if they genuinely lay down arms and stopped killing innocent people.

“A number of people have been harmed; others have lost their parents and wives. Therefore, it is important to take into account their plight and mull over how to come to their aid, considering the losses they recorded, rather than always solely focusing on the bandits.

“More than 50 terrorists have been killed on Friday in Tungar Fulani, a the my ylong Zurmi/Shinkafi axis,” he said.

He added other bandits’ kingpins loyal to Bello Turji have also been eliminated.

He listed those killed to include Sani Mainasara, Sani Black, Kachallah Auta, Audu Gajere, Kabiru Jangero, Dangajere, among others.

Mr Lawal maintained that the momentum would continue to be sustained until banditry is tamed, adding, “they should either lay down their weapons or we continue with our decisive action against them.”