Zamfara Govt Acquires Combat Drones, 25 Armoured Vehicles to Crush Banditry

The Zamfara State Government has taken a major step in its renewed war against banditry with the purchase of 25 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to support the Nigerian military and other security agencies operating in the state.

Governor Dauda Lawal unveiled the newly acquired equipment on Monday during an official handover ceremony at the Government House in Gusau. The event was attended by key security stakeholders, including the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), who commended the state’s commitment to ending insecurity.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Lawal said the investment became necessary due to the persistent attacks, kidnappings, and destruction of livelihoods caused by armed bandits across the state. He stressed that the security situation had severely disrupted farming, commerce, and free movement, leaving communities in constant fear.

“We cannot fold our arms while criminals continue to terrorize our people. These assets will strengthen security operations and enhance intelligence gathering. Zamfara must be safe again,” the governor declared.

According to technical details released by the state government, the acquired drones are capable of flying up to 50 kilometers and operating for as long as eight hours without interruption. The surveillance drones will enable real-time monitoring of forests, hideouts, and vulnerable communities.

The 25 armoured vehicles are designed to protect troops during high-risk operations, offering enhanced mobility and battlefield support, especially in hard-to-reach areas where bandits operate.

Defence Minister Lauds Zamfara’s Initiative

In his remarks, Defence Minister Gen. Musa praised Governor Lawal for taking proactive measures to support federal security operations. He noted that state-level initiatives such as this help close operational gaps and give troops better tools to combat insurgents and armed criminals.

“This collaboration between the state and federal government is vital. It shows commitment and seriousness in addressing the security challenges facing our country,” he said.

Zamfara has been one of the worst-hit states in Nigeria’s northwest, with local communities repeatedly targeted by bandit gangs who engage in mass kidnappings, extortion, and deadly raids. Many villages have paid huge levies to armed groups to avoid attacks, while thousands of residents have been displaced.

The recent acquisition of drones and armoured vehicles signals a new chapter in the state government’s strategy to reclaim peace and restore normalcy. Security analysts believe the enhanced surveillance capability could significantly improve the precision of military operations and reduce civilian casualties.

As the new equipment is deployed, residents across Zamfara are hopeful that stronger monitoring and better-equipped forces will finally weaken bandit networks that have long operated with impunity.

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