The Gombe State government has announced a series of stringent security measures, including an immediate ban on scrap metal trading.
The state government also announced a mandatory profiling of new tenants, and the constitution of an enforcement committee on grazing reserves and cattle routes, as part of efforts to strengthen public safety across the state.
The decisions were taken at an expanded meeting of the State Security Council presided over by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, and were made public by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Zubai Umar, shortly after the meeting.
Umar said the security council approved the immediate ban on the scrap metal business, following rising cases of vandalism of public infrastructure and other criminal activities linked to the trade.
He said the council expressed concern over the persistent vandalisation of school facilities and other public assets, many of which end up with scrap metal dealers.
The commissioner noted that the scrap metal business lacks a coordinated structure, recognised leadership and effective regulation, making it difficult for security agencies to monitor its activities.
“In view of these developments, the council has, with immediate effect, banned all scrap metal activities across the state.
“The ban will remain until the operators properly organise themselves under a recognised leadership, after which government will designate a controlled operating centre under strict security supervision,” he said.
As part of measures to address emerging security threats, the attorney-general disclosed that the council also resolved to intensify surveillance on persons relocating into the state.
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He explained that individuals seeking to rent accommodation or reside in Gombe State would henceforth be subjected to mandatory profiling.
“Anyone coming into Gombe State to reside or rent accommodation must have their personal information properly documented.
“This is to strengthen intelligence gathering and enable security agencies to verify individuals whenever the need arises,” Umar said.
On the issue of farmer-herder conflicts, he announced the constitution of an enforcement committee to implement the White Paper on Grazing Reserves and Cattle Routes.
The White Paper followed the report of an earlier committee chaired by a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zubairu Muazu (rtd).
He said the enforcement committee has been mandated to reclaim all gazetted grazing reserves and cattle routes that have been encroached upon across the state.
“The committee will ensure that every inch of gazetted grazing reserves and cattle routes is fully reclaimed in line with government policy,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, Umar Ahmad Chuso, said security agencies had intensified operations following recent cases of abductions and killings in Pindiga, Akko Local Government Area.
Describing the incidents as unfortunate, the police commissioner assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted victims, apprehend the perpetrators and prevent a recurrence.
“The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are tracking the perpetrators and working to ensure the safe rescue of the abductees.
“His Excellency has directed that a report be submitted on the investigations, and anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” Chuso said.
The Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, said 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 said the move would enhance community-level surveillance and ensure faster response to security threats.
The council further directed local government chairmen and traditional rulers to hold weekly security review meetings at the local level to assess developments and take proactive measures to safeguard lives and property across Gombe State.
