The Northern Security and Integrity Forum (NSIF) has strongly criticized the Zamfara State Government for what it described as a "shameful u-turn" in handling the state's decade-long banditry crisis, following recent reconciliation meetings with armed groups.
In a statement released on Thursday, NSIF National President Dr. Sulaiman Ali Mustapha accused Governor Dauda Lawal's administration of political grandstanding that has allegedly cost thousands of lives in Zamfara and neighboring states.
"For years, Governor Dauda Lawal demonized former Governor Bello Matawalle's approach to banditry, portraying it as weak, immoral, and counterproductive," the statement reads. "Yet today, after more than 20,000 civilians and over 500 security personnel have been killed according to Amnesty International and other credible conflict monitoring bodies, he is now doing exactly what he once ridiculed, sitting down with the attackers and preaching dialogue."
Controversial Peace Meetings
The group specifically referenced recent images and footage showing wanted bandit leaders, including the controversial appearance of Ado Aleru, being received at peace meetings hosted in Katsina and Zamfara. NSIF characterized these meetings as "not acts of peace" but rather "acts of surrender."
"It shows Dauda Lawal is out of ideas, overwhelmed, and returning shamefully to a method he publicly mocked. He owes the people of Zamfara and Nigeria a deep apology, not a press conference, not another meeting but a national apology for jeopardizing lives through his arrogance," the statement continued.
The integrity group emphasized that the "belated peace approach" by the Lawal administration confirms that combat operations alone cannot end the insurgency, a fact they claim the previous administration understood and acted upon.
Vindication of Former Governor
NSIF's statement praised former Governor Bello Matawalle's earlier peace initiatives, suggesting he deserves "not just vindication but canonization" for pursuing peace despite criticism.
"He pursued peace in the face of criticism, he engaged with facts rather than cheap political populism, and he held the line when others were shouting for war without a plan," the group stated.
The organization clarified that their position is "not about romanticizing non-state actors or abandoning justice" but rather acknowledging that "absolute militarization has failed, and that engaging with community-linked actors, alongside law enforcement, can create breathing room for real solutions."
As of press time, the Zamfara State Government had not responded to these allegations.
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