By Our Correspondent

Residents of Gombe have received a boost ahead of the holy month of Ramadan as the Gombe State Police Command announced the extension of the relaxation of motorcycle movement restrictions from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., effective throughout Ramadan and continuing until after the fasting period.

The announcement was contained in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.

According to the Command, the decision followed extensive security consultations and is aimed at accommodating the heightened religious, social, and communal activities that characterize Ramadan, as well as the post-Ramadan festivities when community engagements remain high.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and protecting lives and property across the state. He emphasized that while the movement window has been relaxed, adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure that public safety is not compromised.

He noted that security personnel would remain on high alert to safeguard worshippers attending night prayers, commuters returning from evening engagements, and other residents moving within the approved hours.

The Command, however, cautioned motorcyclists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and avoid reckless riding. Riders are also required to ensure proper registration of their motorcycles and carry valid identification at all times.

In addition, residents were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station as part of collective efforts to sustain peace during and after Ramadan.

The Police Command expressed appreciation to religious leaders, community elders, and residents for their cooperation during the consultation process, reaffirming its resolve to balance security enforcement with respect for cultural and religious values.

The extension is expected to ease transportation challenges during the fasting period, particularly for those attending Tafsir sessions, Tarawih prayers, and other late-evening engagements across the state.

By Our Correspondent

The Gombe State Government has rolled out a sweeping set of security directives that critics say could deepen public hardship, restrict livelihoods and raise fresh concerns about civil liberties, all under the banner of strengthening internal security.

The measures, announced after an expanded State Security Council meeting chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, include an outright ban on the scrap metal trade popularly known as Bola Jari, compulsory profiling of new tenants across the state, and the forceful reclamation of grazing reserves and cattle routes.

The decisions were made public by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Zubair Muhammad Umar, who said the government acted in response to rising security challenges and vandalism of public infrastructure.

Scrap Metal Ban Hits Informal Economy

One of the most controversial decisions is the immediate statewide ban on scrap metal trading, a business that serves as a major source of daily income for hundreds of unemployed youths and low-income earners.

According to the Attorney-General, the Security Council linked scrap metal activities to the vandalisation of schools and other public assets, arguing that stolen government property often ends up in scrap markets.

He said the government viewed the sector as “unorganised and unregulated,” lacking identifiable leadership or a framework that would make monitoring possible.

As a result, all Bola Jari activities have been suspended indefinitely, pending the organisation of dealers under a recognised leadership structure and the creation of a government-controlled operating centre under tight security supervision.

The move, however, leaves many families without a clear alternative means of survival, raising fears of increased poverty and social tension.

Mandatory Tenant Profiling Raises Privacy Concerns

In another far-reaching directive, the government ordered compulsory profiling of all new residents and tenants seeking accommodation anywhere in Gombe State.

Barrister Zubair said landlords and communities will now be required to document personal details of individuals relocating into the state, a measure he described as critical for intelligence gathering and crime prevention.

Security agencies, he said, will have access to such records whenever the need arises.

While government officials insist the policy is purely for security purposes, civil rights advocates warn it could open the door to abuse, discrimination and unwarranted surveillance of law-abiding citizens.

Forceful Reclamation of Grazing Routes

On the long-running issue of farmer-herder conflicts, the Security Council approved the constitution of an enforcement committee to implement the White Paper on Grazing Reserves and Cattle Routes.

The White Paper followed an earlier report by a committee led by retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Zubairu Muazu (rtd), which reviewed the status of gazetted grazing areas across the state.

The Attorney-General said the enforcement team has been mandated to fully reclaim all encroached grazing reserves and cattle routes, signalling tougher action that could reignite tensions in affected communities.

Security Crackdown After Pindiga Killings

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmad Chuso, confirmed that security agencies have intensified operations following recent abductions and killings in Pindiga, Akko Local Government Area.

He assured residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue abducted victims and apprehend those responsible, adding that the Governor has demanded a detailed report on the investigations.

Vigilantes, Hunters to Join Security Operations

Adding another layer to the security overhaul, the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, revealed that the Council approved the expanded deployment of local vigilante groups and hunters to work alongside conventional security agencies.

According to him, the move is aimed at boosting grassroots surveillance and ensuring quicker response to security threats.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also directed Local Government Chairmen and Traditional Rulers to hold weekly security meetings to review developments and take preventive action.

Security or Silent Suffering?

While the government maintains that the measures are necessary to protect lives and property, many residents fear the policies may worsen economic hardship, increase state control over private lives and push vulnerable groups further to the margins.

As Gombe tightens security, the big question remains: will safety improve—or will ordinary citizens pay the heaviest price?

By Staff Reporter

The Gombe State Government has rolled out a sweeping set of security directives that critics say could deepen public hardship, restrict livelihoods and raise fresh concerns about civil liberties, all under the banner of strengthening internal security.

The measures, announced after an expanded State Security Council meeting chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, include an outright ban on the scrap metal trade popularly known as Bola Jari, compulsory profiling of new tenants across the state, and the forceful reclamation of grazing reserves and cattle routes.

The decisions were made public by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Zubair Muhammad Umar, who said the government acted in response to rising security challenges and vandalism of public infrastructure.

Scrap Metal Ban Hits Informal Economy

One of the most controversial decisions is the immediate statewide ban on scrap metal trading, a business that serves as a major source of daily income for hundreds of unemployed youths and low-income earners.

According to the Attorney-General, the Security Council linked scrap metal activities to the vandalisation of schools and other public assets, arguing that stolen government property often ends up in scrap markets.

He said the government viewed the sector as “unorganised and unregulated,” lacking identifiable leadership or a framework that would make monitoring possible.

As a result, all Bola Jari activities have been suspended indefinitely, pending the organisation of dealers under a recognised leadership structure and the creation of a government-controlled operating centre under tight security supervision.

The move, however, leaves many families without a clear alternative means of survival, raising fears of increased poverty and social tension.

Mandatory Tenant Profiling Raises Privacy Concerns

In another far-reaching directive, the government ordered compulsory profiling of all new residents and tenants seeking accommodation anywhere in Gombe State.

Barrister Zubair said landlords and communities will now be required to document personal details of individuals relocating into the state, a measure he described as critical for intelligence gathering and crime prevention.

Security agencies, he said, will have access to such records whenever the need arises.

While government officials insist the policy is purely for security purposes, civil rights advocates warn it could open the door to abuse, discrimination and unwarranted surveillance of law-abiding citizens.

Forceful Reclamation of Grazing Routes

On the long-running issue of farmer-herder conflicts, the Security Council approved the constitution of an enforcement committee to implement the White Paper on Grazing Reserves and Cattle Routes.

The White Paper followed an earlier report by a committee led by retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Zubairu Muazu (rtd), which reviewed the status of gazetted grazing areas across the state.

The Attorney-General said the enforcement team has been mandated to fully reclaim all encroached grazing reserves and cattle routes, signalling tougher action that could reignite tensions in affected communities.

Security Crackdown After Pindiga Killings

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmad Chuso, confirmed that security agencies have intensified operations following recent abductions and killings in Pindiga, Akko Local Government Area.

He assured residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue abducted victims and apprehend those responsible, adding that the Governor has demanded a detailed report on the investigations.

Vigilantes, Hunters to Join Security Operations

Adding another layer to the security overhaul, the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, revealed that the Council approved the expanded deployment of local vigilante groups and hunters to work alongside conventional security agencies.

According to him, the move is aimed at boosting grassroots surveillance and ensuring quicker response to security threats.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also directed Local Government Chairmen and Traditional Rulers to hold weekly security meetings to review developments and take preventive action.

Security or Silent Suffering?

While the government maintains that the measures are necessary to protect lives and property, many residents fear the policies may worsen economic hardship, increase state control over private lives and push vulnerable groups further to the margins.

As Gombe tightens security, the big question remains: will safety improve—or will ordinary citizens pay the heaviest price?