Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), Muhammadu Yahaya, has launched the ‘Unite Against Terror’ campaign, seeking a united national response, stronger regional collaboration and active citizen participation in the fight against terrorism and insecurity.
In a statewide broadcast on Monday, Governor Yahaya described insecurity as the greatest threat to the stability and development of Northern Nigeria, stressing that security and development are inseparable.
The governor urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and cooperate closely with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities, noting that timely intelligence from citizens is critical to preventing attacks and safeguarding lives and property.
He commended members of the military, the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies for their dedication and sacrifice in protecting the nation.
He also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
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Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Governor Yahaya said terrorism cannot be defeated through isolated efforts, pointing out that porous borders continue to enable criminal elements to move freely across states.
He disclosed that the forum is championing the establishment of a Northern States Security Trust Fund, aimed at strengthening collective security financing and improving coordinated responses to security challenges across the region.
The governor also acknowledged the vital contributions of traditional rulers, religious leaders, community associations, civil society organisations, women and youth groups, describing them as indispensable partners in promoting peace, preventing conflict and strengthening community resilience.
He urged security agencies to remain proactive by embracing technology, intelligence-driven operations and community engagement while maintaining professionalism and respect for human rights.
Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s support for the federal government’s efforts to eliminate terrorism and violent extremism, calling on citizens to reject violence, intolerance and division in favour of peace, unity and mutual respect.
He appealed to residents to embrace the ‘Unite Against Terror’ campaign, insisting that only a united and vigilant society can effectively defeat terrorism, protect communities and sustain peace and development.
The governor noted that the relative peace currently enjoyed in Gombe State is the result of deliberate investments and sustained reforms undertaken by his administration since assuming office in 2019 to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
According to him, key initiatives include the establishment of the Ministry of Internal Security and Ethical Orientation, the creation of the Gombe State Security, Traffic and Environmental Corps (GOSTEC), and the formation of ‘Operation Hattara’, a joint security task force established to improve inter-agency coordination and rapid response to security threats.
He added that the strengthening of local vigilante groups, provision of operational vehicles and logistics to security agencies, establishment of community peace committees, and the hosting of two security summits have significantly enhanced intelligence gathering, conflict prevention and emergency response across the state.
