Zamfara Gov Lawal: I Refused ₦300m Ransom Demand For My Kidnapped Brothers

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has revealed that he rejected a ₦300 million ransom demand made by kidnappers after his brothers were abducted in 2019, saying paying criminals only strengthens the kidnapping economy and encourages further attacks.

The governor made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking at the ARISE News/THISDAY Town Hall Conference in Abuja, where he reiterated his administration's opposition to negotiating with kidnappers or paying ransom under any circumstances.

According to Lawal, the abductors demanded ₦300 million for the release of his brothers, but he refused to comply despite the enormous personal pressure.

"My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019 and these criminals demanded about ₦300 million. I told them I was not going to pay a dime. If they wanted to kill them, they should go ahead," the governor said.

Lawal disclosed that after spending about three months in captivity, his brothers eventually regained their freedom without any ransom being paid.

He argued that paying kidnappers only provides financial incentives for criminal groups to continue abducting innocent citizens across the country.

"I will not negotiate, and I will not pay ransom to any criminal, no matter what happens," he said.

The governor maintained that if families consistently refused to pay ransom, kidnapping would gradually become less profitable and lose its appeal to criminal gangs.

Lawal also renewed his advocacy for the establishment of state police, insisting that governors cannot be held fully responsible for security in their states while lacking operational control over security agencies.

He described the title of "Chief Security Officer" often assigned to state governors as largely ceremonial, arguing that they have limited authority over policing despite being expected to guarantee the safety of residents.

According to him, creating state police would make governors directly accountable for security while enabling states to recruit, train, equip and adequately fund personnel based on their unique security challenges.

The governor also expressed concern over the welfare of officers of the Nigeria Police Force, saying inadequate funding, poor welfare packages and insufficient training continue to undermine operational effectiveness.

He stressed that improving the conditions of security personnel is critical to winning the fight against insecurity.

Highlighting measures taken by his administration, Lawal said the Zamfara State Government currently finances more than 30 per cent of security operations within the state.

He disclosed that the government has supplied more than 500 operational vehicles to security agencies over the past three years.

According to him, the state has also procured 35 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to strengthen security operations against bandits.

Lawal further revealed that Zamfara has acquired surveillance and attack drones to improve intelligence gathering and enhance military operations against criminal groups.

The governor maintained that Nigeria's long-term solution to insecurity lies in strengthening security institutions through improved funding, modern equipment, advanced technology and better welfare for security personnel rather than negotiating with armed groups or paying ransom demands.