On February 18, 2026, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), showered encomiums on Governor Lawal for providing military hardware for the armed forces to enhance its campaign against banditry in the state.

The general was in Gusau, the state capital, for the unveiling of 25 highly sophisticated Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), and an 80-meter endurance surveillance drone capable of covering 50 kilometres and operating continuously for eight hours procured by the state government.

The defence minister said the procurement of the armoured vehicles by the Zamfara state government demonstrates the governor’s commitment. “From what I have seen, if we continue like this in the second term, Zamfara will look like Dubai,” General Musa said.

“The protection of lives and properties rises above party lines, political affiliations and differences, and that is why I am particularly very happy to be here. That you have been a state executive who has done it for everyone, you are very distinct and very determined in what you are doing.

“It takes courage and firm conviction for subnational leadership to commit substantial resources towards strengthening public safety, and the best thing about this is that everything has been paid for. This sends a strong message to criminals.”