Zamfara State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Dauda Lawal, on Wednesday commissioned 25 new Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and sets of surveillance drones for the military and security agencies operating in the state, marking a major step in the fight against banditry and insecurity in Zamfara and the North-West Zone.
The event, held in Gusau, is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to provide structured logistical support to frontline security forces, enhance troop protection during high-risk operations, and improve rapid response capabilities in remote communities. Governor Lawal emphasised that the APCs and drones will strengthen tactical battle readiness and overhead surveillance for operational effectiveness.
“We have provided over 600 specialised motorcycles, 150 Hilux vehicles, and 20 Buffalo vehicles to our security forces. These 25 highly sophisticated APCs being commissioned today are part of broader reforms to improve responses to security threats. The APCs significantly improve troop protection during deployments into high-risk areas. They reduce vulnerability during patrols, support convoy security along major routes, and strengthen rapid response capability when distress calls arise from remote communities,” the Governor said.
Governor Lawal noted that past security challenges had disrupted farming, limited trade, and undermined public confidence. His administration’s “Rescue Mission” agenda has focused on structured reforms, including the establishment of the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund and operationalisation of Community Protection Guards to enhance grassroots intelligence.
He highlighted the importance of modern technology in security operations, stating that the newly acquired drones will expand aerial surveillance, improve situational awareness, and support better coordination between command centres and field troops. “Real-time information strengthens decision-making and reduces operational blind spots,” he added.
Acknowledging the role of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Lawal noted that over three trillion naira has recently been allocated to defence, supporting subnational stabilisation efforts. He urged military personnel receiving the equipment to ensure disciplined maintenance and intelligence-guided deployment, stressing, “Enhancing your safety enhances the safety of our communities.”
The Governor reassured the people of Zamfara that his administration remains committed to restoring enduring security across all Local Government Areas through preventive measures, strengthened patrol architecture, inter-state intelligence collaboration, and fiscal prudence in security expenditure. He also linked the security investment to economic recovery, highlighting its importance for agricultural productivity, market activity, and food security.
The commissioning was attended by the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), who formally put the assets into operational service. Governor Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s determination to sustain preventive measures and regional security collaboration until lasting peace is achieved across Zamfara.
