The Gombe State Government has announced a raft of stringent security measures aimed at strengthening public safety, curbing criminal activities and enhancing internal security across the state.
The new directives were unveiled following an expanded meeting of the State Security Council presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. Briefing journalists after the meeting, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Zubair Muhammad Umar, said the decisions were taken in response to emerging security challenges and recent incidents in parts of the state.
According to him, the Security Council approved the immediate ban on the scrap metal business, popularly known as Bola Jari, citing its link to the vandalism of public infrastructure, especially school facilities and other government assets.
Barrister Zubair Umar explained that the Council observed that operators in the scrap metal trade lack proper organisation, recognised leadership and an effective regulatory framework, making the sector difficult to monitor.
“In view of the persistent vandalisation of public property and the security risks associated with the scrap business, the Council has, with immediate effect, banned all Bola Jari activities across Gombe State,” he said.
He added that the ban would remain until scrap dealers properly organise themselves under a recognised leadership, after which the government would designate a controlled operating centre under strict security supervision.
As part of broader efforts to tighten security, the Attorney-General announced the introduction of mandatory profiling for individuals seeking to relocate to or rent accommodation within the state.
Under the new arrangement, personal details of new residents will be documented to support intelligence gathering and enable security agencies to verify identities when necessary.
“Anyone coming into Gombe State to reside or rent accommodation must have their personal information properly documented. This measure is aimed at curbing criminal activities and strengthening community security,” he stated.
On farmer-herder relations, Barrister Zubair Umar disclosed that the government has constituted an enforcement committee to implement the White Paper on Grazing Reserves and Cattle Routes. The White Paper followed the report of a committee chaired by a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Zubairu Muazu (rtd), which assessed the status of grazing reserves and cattle routes across the state.
He said the enforcement committee would ensure the recovery of all gazetted grazing reserves and cattle routes that have been encroached upon, stressing that the move is intended to promote peaceful coexistence and reduce conflicts.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Umar Ahmad Chuso, said security agencies have intensified operations following recent cases of abductions and killings in Pindiga, Akko Local Government Area.
Describing the incidents as unfortunate, CP Chuso assured residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue abducted victims, apprehend those responsible and prevent future occurrences.
“The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are tracking the perpetrators. His Excellency has directed that a detailed report be submitted, and anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
In his remarks, the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, revealed that the Security Council also resolved to strengthen security at the grassroots through the deployment of vigilante groups and local hunters to complement conventional security agencies.
He noted that the initiative would enhance community-level surveillance and improve response time to security threats.
Meanwhile, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has directed Local Government Chairmen and Traditional Rulers to hold weekly security review meetings at the local level to assess developments and take proactive steps to safeguard lives and property across Gombe State.
The state government said the measures collectively reflect its commitment to maintaining peace, improving intelligence gathering and ensuring the safety of all residents.
