The Gombe State Government on Monday announced a series of security measures aimed at boosting public safety and strengthening internal security across the state.
The measures were disclosed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Zubair Umar, shortly after Governor Muhammadu Yahaya chaired an expanded meeting of the State Security Council to assess emerging security concerns and recent incidents.
Umar said the decisions followed a comprehensive review of reports on the vandalism of public infrastructure and related criminal activities, leading the council to approve an immediate ban on the scrap metal business, commonly referred to as Bola Jari, over security concerns linked to the trade.
The council raised concerns about the recurring vandalisation of school facilities and other public assets, which it said are often sold to scrap metal dealers.
“It observed that operators in the scrap business lack a coordinated structure, recognised leadership and an effective regulatory framework, making their activities difficult to monitor and control.
“In view of these developments, the council has, with immediate effect, banned all Bola Jari activities across the state.
“This ban will remain in force until the dealers properly organise themselves under a recognised leadership, after which the government will designate a controlled operating centre under strict security supervision,” Umar said.
Speaking on the broader national security situation and its implications for Gombe State, Zubairu said the council resolved to strengthen vigilance and surveillance, particularly regarding individuals relocating into the state.
He explained that residents seeking accommodation in the state would now be required to undergo proper profiling, with personal details documented to enhance intelligence gathering and support security agencies when necessary.
“Anyone coming into Gombe State to reside or rent accommodation must have their personal information properly documented. This will allow security agencies to access such information whenever the need arises,” he said, adding that the initiative is aimed at curbing crime and improving community safety.
On farmer-herder clashes, the Attorney-General said the government had set up an enforcement committee to implement recommendations contained in the White Paper on Grazing Reserves and Cattle Routes.
The White Paper followed the report of a committee led by a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Zubairu Muazu (rtd), which reviewed the status of grazing reserves and cattle routes across the state.
“The enforcement committee will ensure that every inch of gazetted grazing reserves and cattle routes encroached upon is fully reclaimed,” Umar said.
He noted that the measures were intended to foster peaceful coexistence, enhance internal security and strengthen intelligence gathering at the grassroots.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, CP Umar Chuso, said security agencies had stepped up operations following recent abductions and killings in Pindiga, Akko Local Government Area.
Describing the incidents as unfortunate, the police chief assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted persons, arrest those responsible and prevent future occurrences.
“The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are tracking down the perpetrators and will ensure that the abductees are rescued unhurt. His Excellency has directed that a report be submitted on our investigations so far, with the assurance that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” Chuso said.
Similarly, the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, said the Security Council agreed to further strengthen security at the local level through the deployment of vigilante groups and local hunters to support conventional security agencies.
According to him, the move will improve community surveillance and enable quicker responses to security threats.
“These local vigilantes and hunters will work hand in hand with the police and other security agencies to ensure holistic security surveillance and enforcement across the state,” the Emir said.
The governor also directed local government chairmen and traditional rulers to hold weekly security review meetings to assess local security situations and take proactive steps to protect residents across the state.
In December, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Edo State announced plans to begin regulating scrap dealers from 2026 as part of efforts to curb vandalism of critical national assets.
The Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Saidi Akintayo, said the move was aimed at addressing the growing security and economic threats posed by unregulated scrap metal activities.
