Armoured vehicles, drones boost Zamfara’s security architecture – Gov. Lawal

By: Zagazola Makama

The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, says the deployment of armoured vehicles and surveillance drones to security agencies marks a major step toward consolidating stability, restoring livelihoods and strengthening economic recovery across the state.

Speaking on Wednesday in Gusau at the distribution of armoured vehicles to military formations, Lawal described the initiative as part of a structured and long-term reform strategy designed to move Zamfara from reactive responses to institutionalised security management.

He welcomed the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, noting that his presence underscored strong federal-state cooperation and a shared commitment to defending lawful authority.

Lawal said Zamfara had for years faced persistent insecurity that disrupted farming, trade, transportation and public confidence, particularly in rural communities.

According to him, the administration’s response since assuming office has focused on building systems rather than temporary fixes. He cited the creation of the state’s Security Trust Fund as a mechanism to guarantee sustainable logistics support for federal security formations operating within the state.

The governor explained that structured coordination platforms had also been institutionalised to strengthen collaboration among the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence services and civil defence corps.

He added that the establishment of regulated Community Protection Guards had enhanced grassroots intelligence gathering and early-warning capacity across local communities.

Lawal disclosed that the state government had procured and distributed 150 Hilux operational vehicles, 20 Toyota Buffalo vehicles, including armoured variants, and more than 600 specialised motorcycles to security agencies.

He said the 25 newly commissioned armoured personnel carriers (APCs) would significantly improve troop protection, convoy security and rapid response capability in high-risk environments.

The governor stressed that modern security management required more than equipment, noting that effective command systems, encrypted communications, professional oversight and strict maintenance culture were essential for sustained operational impact.

He highlighted the integration of unmanned aerial systems as a major advancement, explaining that drones would enhance reconnaissance reach, terrain assessment and real-time situational awareness for field commanders.

According to him, accurate and timely information strengthens operational decisions and reduces blind spots that criminals often exploit.

Lawal linked improved security directly to economic recovery, especially in agriculture, which he described as the backbone of the state’s economy.

“When rural communities feel secure enough to farm, harvest volumes increase; when highways are stabilized, goods move freely; when markets operate without fear, commerce expands,” he said.

He noted that early signs of recovery were already visible in increased farming activities and higher market attendance in previously volatile districts, stressing that such gains must be protected.

The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining defence allocations above ₦3 trillion in recent federal budgets, saying the commitment strengthens frontline operations and supports state-level stabilization initiatives.

Addressing military personnel, Lawal described the equipment as a symbol of public trust and urged commanders to ensure intelligence-driven deployment, strict maintenance discipline and professional stewardship.

He also paid tribute to troops serving under difficult conditions, assuring them that government support would continue to prioritize their safety and operational effectiveness.

The governor emphasized that the commissioning was part of a broader strategy linking security reinforcement with agricultural revitalization, infrastructure support and institutional accountability.

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to restore peace across all local government areas through preventive operations, expanded rural patrol architecture and inter-state intelligence collaboration across the North-West.

“As we deploy these assets, we reaffirm that every community deserves to live, farm, trade and travel in safety,” he said.

Lawal then invited the defence minister to formally commission the vehicles for operational service, expressing confidence that collective efforts would continue to strengthen both Zamfara and Nigeria as a whole.