iDeemlawfulThe Zamfara government under Governor Dauda Lawal has delivered 25 armoured personnel carriers (APCs), surveillance drones and other operational assets to troops of the Nigerian Army to reinforce counterterrorism operations across the state.
In a statement issued by Sulaiman Idris, the governor’s media aide, the APCs and related equipment were presented to troops on Wednesday at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital.
The governor’s aide explained that the APCs and additional assets would improve troop safety during missions in high-risk locations across Zamfara.
He further noted that among the newly acquired equipment is an 80-metre endurance surveillance drone with a 50-kilometre coverage range, capable of operating nonstop for eight hours.
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Idris stated that Lawal emphasised the partnership between the federal government and his administration as critical in tackling insecurity.
“Beyond ground mobility, the integration of unmanned aerial systems expands reconnaissance reach. This is why we are also providing the drones,” he quoted the governor as saying.
“Aerial surveillance improves situational awareness, assists terrain assessment, and supports more precise coordination between command centres and field units. Real-time information strengthens decision-making and reduces operational blind spots.”
He outlined the devastating effects of prolonged banditry and instability on rural communities, agriculture, road networks, markets, and overall economic confidence in Zamfara.
He added that his administration has strengthened coordination with the military, police, and other agencies, while introducing community protection guards to enhance grassroots intelligence gathering and early warning systems.
Lawal disclosed that the state has supplied 150 new Hilux vehicles to security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), alongside 20 Toyota Buffaloes (10 armoured and 10 soft skin).
He said over 600 specialised motorcycles have been deployed for rapid response in challenging terrains, while 60 new Hilux vehicles and motorcycles were allocated to community protection guards.
“Under our rescue mission, we moved from fragmented responses to structured reform. The Zamfara State Security Trust Fund provided a predictable framework for logistical support to security forces,” Lawal said.
“We strengthened collaboration with the Armed Forces, police, and other agencies through regular coordination. We implemented the community protection guards in accordance with the law to enhance grassroots intelligence and early-warning capacity.
“These measures were designed to ensure that security intervention is supported by financing discipline, legal clarity, operational coordination and logistics facilitation. As an administration, we spare no expense to ensure the logistical support our security agencies on the ground receive.
“When we operationalised the homegrown community protection guards, we provided them with 60 brand new and well-equipped Hilux operational vehicles and motorcycles to ensure adequate coverage, swift response and effective first responder services.”
Speaking at the event, Christopher Musa, the minister of defence, praised the governor for his resolve in prioritising public safety beyond political considerations, noting that sustained commitment could significantly transform Zamfara.
“From what I have seen, if we continue like this in the second term, Zamfara will look like Dubai,” he said.
“The protection of lives and properties rises above party lines, political affiliations and differences, and that is why I am particularly very happy to be here.
“That you have been a state executive who has done it for everyone, you are very distinct and very determined in what you are doing.
“It takes courage and firm conviction for subnational leadership to commit substantial resources towards strengthening public safety, and the best thing about this is that everything has been paid for. This sends a strong message to criminals.”
