Governor Inuwa's 7-Year Track Record on Security Garners Accolades for Proactive Strategies

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Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State

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By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe

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For seven years under the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe State has largely remained insulated from the wave of insecurity ravaging many parts of Northern Nigeria, despite sharing boundaries with states affected by insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and recurring farmers-herders conflicts.

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Read Also: 6 soldiers killed, 75 residents abducted as bandits attack Zamfara community

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The state’s relative peace has continued to attract attention, prompting discussions on the strategies that have sustained security in the North-East state.

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Speaking with Vanguard in Gombe, key stakeholders attributed the state’s security record to a combination of proactive policing, strong government-community collaboration, infrastructure development and sustained engagement with traditional institutions.

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Police Commissioner

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The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, said the command has adopted a proactive, intelligence-led policing strategy aimed at preventing security threats before they escalate.

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According to him, the command has strengthened collaboration with other security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents through intelligence gathering, community policing, surveillance of border communities and regular inter-agency security meetings.

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“Our strategy is built on prevention through vigilance, intelligence gathering and continuous engagement with communities. Security is a shared responsibility, and timely intelligence from residents remains critical in preventing crime,” the Police Commissioner stated.

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He noted that although Gombe is surrounded by states battling various security challenges, sustained vigilance and cooperation among stakeholders have helped preserve peace within the state.

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CP Chuso further advised other states to strengthen partnerships between security agencies and local communities, saying trust encourages citizens to volunteer useful information capable of preventing criminal activities.

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APC chair

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Also speaking, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Hon. Ndus Mohammed Dantata, attributed the state’s peaceful atmosphere to what he described as Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s inclusive leadership style and consistent delivery of democratic dividends.

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According to Dantata, one of the major factors responsible for the prevailing peace is the governor’s regular communication with the people through quarterly media chats, which, he said, has enhanced transparency and public confidence in government.

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He also cited the massive road construction projects across the state, saying improved road infrastructure has boosted economic activities while enhancing security surveillance and rapid response by security agencies.

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The APC chairman added that investments in electricity infrastructure have reduced opportunities for criminal activities, while ongoing improvements in healthcare facilities at both primary and tertiary levels have increased public confidence in government.

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He further pointed to the construction and rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools, arguing that visible development has strengthened citizens’ trust in governance and reduced tendencies towards violence and criminality.

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Dantata also commended traditional rulers for complementing government efforts through grassroots sensitisation campaigns that encourage residents to report suspicious movements under the “See Something, Say Something” initiative.

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According to him, another major factor is the cordial working relationship between the state government and security agencies, which has enhanced intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to emerging threats.

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“Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has demonstrated purposeful leadership by prioritising security, infrastructure and the welfare of the people.

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“These collective efforts have contributed significantly to the peaceful atmosphere currently enjoyed in Gombe State,” he said.

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However, efforts by Vanguard to obtain alternative perspectives were unsuccessful.

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Information commissioner

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The newly sworn-in Commissioner for Information and Culture, Hon. Moses Kyari, retired General Amman Kwaskweba, who is aligned with the Nyesom Wike-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Gombe State, and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Mr. Keftin Amuka, neither responded to interview requests nor replied to text messages sent to them before the report was filed.

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While stakeholders interviewed credited the administration’s policies and security architecture for the state’s stability, independent verification of the claim of “zero insecurity” over the past seven years was not immediately available.

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Nevertheless, Gombe has generally been regarded as one of the more peaceful states in the North-East despite persistent security challenges in neighbouring states.

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