Bandits Abduct 50 in Fresh Zamfara Attacks
Armed groups have intensified attacks in Maru, Anka, and Bukkuyum LGAs, abducting dozens and displacing hundreds despite ongoing military operations.
July 6, 2026
Read analysisNigeriaPolls · State Hub
Zamfara State
Nigeria's most security-challenged state, rich in gold and agricultural potential. Track governor approval, security sentiment, and electoral trends across 14 LGAs.
Population
~5.0M
Capital
Gusau
Region
North-West
Latest Polls
3 Active
Public Sentiment
Zamfara State Sentiment Scorecard
Real-time aggregation of voter sentiment across six critical governance dimensions. Zamfara shows the lowest security perception scores in Nigeria.
Source label: NigeriaPolls state sentiment tracker, last reviewed 17 August 2026. Treat these figures as public-opinion snapshots, not official government statistics or election predictions. For a citable claim, include the state page URL, publication or review date, geography, response basis where shown, and whether the passage is poll data, research-desk analysis, or public-record context.
Governance Approval
41%
Overall satisfaction with state government performance
Security Perception
28%
Citizen confidence in safety and security measures
Economic Confidence
35%
Optimism about economic conditions and employment
Youth Hope Index
38%
Young people's optimism about future opportunities
Healthcare Access
33%
Satisfaction with availability and quality of healthcare
Education Quality
36%
Perception of public education standards
Active Tracking
Latest Polls from Zamfara State
Monitor polling data for gubernatorial approval, security confidence, and voter priorities in Zamfara.
Citation note: quote the individual poll title, date, response count or sample size, publisher/source label, and state geography when using these findings. If a result card summarizes a broader survey, cite the full poll page or dataset rather than this state overview alone.
June 2026
Zamfara Governor Approval Rating — Q2 2026
41% Approve
Sample: 1,050MoE: ±3.5%
-4%
View detailsMay 2026
Security Confidence Index — Zamfara State
28% Feel safe
Sample: 1,200MoE: ±3.1%
+2%
View detailsApril 2026
Impact of Banditry on Voting Intention 2027
72% Security top issue
Sample: 980MoE: ±3.6%
Steady
View detailsState Leadership
Zamfara State Politicians
Track the performance and approval ratings of Zamfara State's governor and federal legislators.
D
Dauda Lawal Dare
PDPGovernor of Zamfara State · Since May 29, 2023
41%
Approval Rating
A
Abdulaziz Yari
APCSenator · Zamfara West
K
Kaura Tukur
APCSenator · Zamfara North
A
Aliyu Ikra
APCSenator · Zamfara Central
State Profile
Zamfara State Demographics
Key demographic and economic indicators for Zamfara State.
Population
~5.0 Million
2026 estimate
GDP
$2.9 Billion
Nominal, 2025 est.
Area
39,762 km²
14 Local Government Areas
Created
Oct 1, 1996
From Sokoto State
Major Languages
HausaFulfulde
Religious Distribution
Islam (95%)Christianity (4%)Traditional (1%)
About Zamfara State
Zamfara State, created in 1996 from Sokoto State, is located in Nigeria's North-West. With approximately 5 million residents across 14 LGAs, it is one of Nigeria's most security-challenged states. The state is blessed with significant gold deposits, agricultural land, and cultural heritage, but years of armed banditry have devastated its economy and displaced hundreds of thousands. The conflict, which began around 2011, involves armed groups engaging in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and illegal mining. Despite military operations, security remains the overriding concern for voters. Politically, Zamfara is deeply divided — the PDP won the 2023 governorship while the APC swept all three senatorial seats, reflecting the fragmented and security-driven nature of its electorate.
News & Analysis
Zamfara State Political News
Curated news and analysis of Zamfara State politics, governance, and security developments.
Zamfara Governor Declares State of Emergency on Security
Governor Dauda Lawal Dare has announced emergency security measures including new vigilante recruitment and curfews in hotspot LGAs.
June 29, 2026
Read analysisIllegal Gold Mining Continues Despite Federal Ban
Reports indicate widespread illegal mining persists in Zamfara, with armed groups controlling lucrative gold sites and fueling conflict.
June 21, 2026
Read analysisFrequently Asked Questions
Zamfara State Political FAQs
Common questions about Zamfara State politics, security, and governance.
Who is the current governor of Zamfara State?
Dauda Lawal Dare of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the current governor, sworn in on May 29, 2023. He is a former Executive Director at First Bank of Nigeria.
Why is Zamfara State notorious for insecurity?
Zamfara has been the epicenter of Nigeria's banditry crisis since 2011. Armed groups operate in vast ungoverned forests, engaging in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and village raids. The conflict is fueled by illegal gold mining, ethnic tensions, and porous borders with Niger.
What is Zamfara's economic situation?
Zamfara has an estimated GDP of $2.9 billion, making it one of Nigeria's poorer states. Agriculture is the mainstay, but illegal gold mining generates significant informal revenue. Formal mining is suspended due to security concerns.
How has insecurity affected Zamfara politics?
Security dominates every political discourse in Zamfara. The 2023 election was heavily influenced by voters' desire for improved security. The APC swept all three senatorial seats despite the PDP winning the governorship, reflecting fragmented voter priorities.
How many local government areas are in Zamfara State?
Zamfara State has 14 Local Government Areas, including Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Talata Mafara, Maru, Anka, and Bukkuyum.
What is the federal government doing about Zamfara's security?
The Nigerian military has conducted multiple operations including Operation Hadarin Daji. However, results have been mixed. In 2021, the federal government suspended mining activities and declared a no-fly zone over the state.
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