Zamfara Boosts Security Arsenal with 25 APCs, Surveillance Drones

Governor Dauda Lawal on Wednesday unveiled 25 newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and a fleet of aerial surveillance drones to strengthen security operations in Zamfara State and the wider North-West region.

The commissioning ceremony, held in Gusau, marked another phase in the state government’s efforts to reinforce frontline troops battling banditry and insurgency. The equipment is to be deployed by the military and other security agencies operating across the state.

Addressing security chiefs and government officials at the event, Lawal said the assets form part of a comprehensive logistics support framework aimed at improving operational effectiveness and safeguarding personnel in volatile areas.

“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 therefore part of a broader reform to improve response to security threats. The APC’s significantly improves 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 stated.

He noted that years of insecurity had disrupted agriculture, trade and general economic life in the state, adding that his administration’s “Rescue Mission” blueprint prioritises structured reforms over ad hoc responses. Among these reforms, he highlighted the creation of a Zamfara State Security Trust Fund and the activation of Community Protection Guards to enhance intelligence gathering at the grassroots.

Emphasising the role of technology in modern security strategy, the governor said the introduction of drones would significantly improve surveillance capacity and coordination between field operatives and command centres.

“Real-time information strengthens decision-making and reduces operational blind spots,” he added.

Lawal also acknowledged support from the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu, pointing to recent defence allocations exceeding three trillion naira as evidence of commitment to national security and subnational stabilisation.

He charged commanders and troops to ensure responsible use and proper maintenance of the equipment. “Enhancing your safety enhances the safety of our communities,” he told the troops.

Reaffirming his commitment to restoring calm across Zamfara’s 14 Local Government Areas, the governor assured residents that security investments would be sustained.

“We will sustain preventive measures, strengthen patrol architecture in rural corridors, deepen inter-state intelligence collaboration across the North-West, and maintain fiscal prudence in security expenditure. Stabilisation will continue through structured planning, lawful enforcement, and institutional reform.”

Lawal further linked improved security to economic revival, stressing that safer rural communities are critical to boosting farming activities, revitalising markets and ensuring food security.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, who formally commissioned the vehicles and surveillance platforms for operational deployment. The governor reiterated that his administration would continue collaborating with federal authorities and neighbouring states until lasting peace is achieved across Zamfara.