Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has revealed that kidnappers who abducted his brothers eventually demanded a N150,000 recharge card after earlier ransom negotiations failed.
Lawal made the disclosure during a media chat on Monday, where he reiterated his opposition to paying ransom to kidnappers and bandits operating in the state.
The governor said his brothers, Yusuf and Amba, were abducted in 2025. According to him, he told members of his family that he would not contribute money toward securing their release.
Lawal explained that although the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom, their demands were eventually reduced after they failed to receive the expected payment.
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He said the abductors later requested a N150,000 recharge card, but he still refused to provide it, insisting that he would not financially support criminals.
The governor said his decision was based on his belief that ransom payments encourage criminals to continue carrying out kidnappings and strengthen their operations.
Lawal also maintained that previous negotiations with criminals had failed to produce lasting solutions, reinforcing his position against ransom payments.
Zamfara has continued to face attacks, abductions and other security challenges linked to banditry. Several communities across the state have experienced attacks, while travellers and residents have also been targeted.
The governor said his administration was working to strengthen security measures across the state, particularly in areas that have experienced repeated attacks.
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