Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has firmly stated that his administration will not entertain the appeal of terrorists seeking a cessation of military operations targeting their hideouts.
This declaration comes in response to the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) continued aerial strikes on bandits and terrorists in the North-West region, particularly in Zamfara State. The NAF has vowed to maintain its aggressive campaign until peace is fully restored in the area.
In April, a suspected bandit leader, Garba Aminu, posted a video on social media, appealing to the governor to engage in dialogue with the terrorists to bring peace to the troubled state. However, Governor Lawal has made it clear that his government will not negotiate with criminals and will persist in its efforts to combat terrorism.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaiman Idris, Governor Lawal urged the terrorists to lay down their arms if they wish for peace.
“You don’t negotiate with killers while they are still wielding dangerous weapons. They need to surrender to the authorities first, and only then can we consider the next steps,” Lawal said.
He added that the ongoing military operation, *Ceton Arewa*, which began a few weeks ago, has already claimed the lives of several terrorist leaders and their followers. “The bombardment will continue until they finally surrender,” he warned.
Additionally, a senior officer in the Nigerian Air Force, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that NAF would sustain its airstrikes until the state is free from criminal elements.
“NAF will continue to fulfill its constitutional duty of protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity. We will not stop until the people of Zamfara can live their lives free of threats to their safety and property. They deserve peace, and we owe them that,” the officer said, highlighting that air interdictions are conducted daily as part of their efforts to rid the region of terrorists.
