Insecurity: I refused to pay ransom after bandits abducted my brothers – Zamfara gov

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has explained why he refused to pay ransom after bandits abducted his brothers, Yusuf and Amba, in 2025.
Lawal said he would not give money to criminals. He maintained that ransom payments strengthen kidnappers and encourage more abductions.
The governor spoke on Monday during a media chat. He also restated his opposition to negotiating with kidnappers operating in Zamfara.
According to Channels TV, Lawal said he made his position clear to his family after the abduction of his brothers.
He said he would not support any ransom payment for their release.
“You know, there are certain hard decisions you must take as a leader of the family… and I made it clear that this is my stand, but if anybody feels otherwise, he is free to go and pay and bring Yusuf and Amba back,” he said.
Lawal said the kidnappers later reduced their demand after negotiations failed to produce the payment they expected.
“Eventually, they got tired, and the last thing they asked for then, I think, was a ₦150,000 recharge card, and even that I said I was not going to pay.
“Somebody from the family should do that because I made a commitment that I will never put a dime to a criminal,” he said.
The governor said his decision came from his belief that ransom payments strengthen criminal groups.
He added that such payments could also prolong the cycle of abductions in the state.
Lawal said previous attempts to negotiate with criminals had failed to produce positive results. That, he said, further reinforced his decision not to support ransom payments.
He said his administration was working to strengthen security across Zamfara.
Lawal also identified areas such as Tsafe as priority locations because of their history of persistent attacks.
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