Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has declared open the two-day second edition of the Gombe State Security Summit, taking place at the International Conference Center (ICC), Gombe.

The summit, themed “Building a Safer and More Secure Gombe State: Addressing Insecurity through Collective Action,” has been organized to bring together key stakeholders to discuss, identify, and propose actionable solutions to the security challenges facing the state and the North-East region.

In his address, the Governor stated that his administration would leverage the recommendations and strategies from the summit to develop a blueprint for sustainable peace initiatives aimed at addressing the underlying causes of conflict and insecurity in the state.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized that security is the primary responsibility of any government, as peace cannot be achieved without it. He reiterated that his administration has consistently prioritized the safety and well-being of the people.

He noted that despite the relative peace in Gombe, the state continues to face challenges such as farmer-herder conflicts and communal clashes. He stressed that collective action by critical stakeholders is essential for comprehensively addressing these issues.

“Gombe State, though relatively stable, continues to face its own share of challenges. These include spillover effects from neighboring states, legacy issues like communal and farmer-herder clashes, and emerging threats such as cattle rustling, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.

To address these issues comprehensively, we must embrace collective action, requiring the cooperation of stakeholders at all levels—security agencies, traditional and community leaders, religious leaders, civil society organizations, the media, and the private sector,” he stated.

The Governor further emphasized the need to address the root causes of insecurity, stating that efforts must be made to prevent youths from becoming involved in criminal activities.

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“We must combat the menace of drug abuse among our youth, and we must work tirelessly to harness their creative potential by equipping them with education, skills, and the opportunities they need to succeed in our fast-changing world.”

He commended President Bola Tinubu for the progress being recorded in the fight against banditry, insurgency, and other crimes in the country.

“I thank Mr. President for his commitment to the security, stability, and territorial integrity of our nation.

To the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, we remain grateful for your invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s security,” Inuwa Yahaya said.

The Governor also announced the donation of 50 operational vehicles to security agencies to enhance their effectiveness in combating crime.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance security in Gombe State, I am pleased to announce the donation of 50 operational vehicles to various security agencies operating within the state.

This gesture is aimed at bolstering their capacity to combat crime, ensure peace, and maintain stability across our communities,” the Governor announced.

In a goodwill message, the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. Folusho Oyinola, commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for prioritizing security, describing it as key to the growth and development of any society.

He described Gombe as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, noting that “this fact is not accidental but a result of deliberate efforts through the implementation of people-centered policies that encourage stakeholder participation in securing lives and property.”

Papers were presented by Gen. Abdulrasheed Aliyu (rtd) on “The Role of Technology and Intelligence in Combating Security Challenges” and by AIG Zubairu Mu’azu (rtd) on “The Role of Community Policing in Enhancing Local Security: A Case Study of Northern Nigeria.” It is hoped that participants will be equipped with the knowledge and framework necessary to brainstorm and devise concrete, robust strategies for a safer Gombe, a more secure North-East, and a peaceful Nigeria.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd), stated that the second Gombe State Security Summit marks a significant milestone in Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s continuous efforts to strengthen security and stability in the state.

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the 50 operational vehicles by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, followed by the symbolic presentation of keys to the benefiting agencies, as detailed in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe.