Gombe Holds First Peace, Security Summit, Launches Operation 'Hattara'

The Gombe State Government has held its first Peace and Security summit to attend to growing security challenges in the state.

The government also launched an initiative code named "Operation Hattara" with the support of operational vehicles. 

The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya declared the summit open today (Tuesday) themed "Mitigating Contemporary Security Challenges for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development".

According to a statement by the Director-General Press Affairs to the governor, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor said: "We are all aware that our dear country is passing through a delicate period of immense security and economic challenges and risks. 

"Criminal elements all over the country are united in their determination to threaten our common values, destroy our means of livelihood and make life brutish and miserable for our people. 

"Since the year 2010, our gallant security forces have been battling to contain a brutal insurgency waged by the Boko Haram terrorists in Borno which rapidly spread to other states in the North-East, North-Central and North-West Subregions. 

"Although the collective efforts of our men and women in uniform have succeeded in stopping the bombing campaigns of the Boko Haram insurgents, the colossal human and economic damage caused to our communities is still with us". 

Governor Yahaya that though the government has had control over the Boko Haram security situation in the North East, the sub-region is now faced banditry flowing down from the northwest and north central.

He further explained that despite cries from other state on the security challenges, Gombe state is relatively secure and peaceful.

"For instance, if we take a look at the Nigeria Security Tracker published monthly by Eons Intelligence (A reputable Risk and Security Consulting Organisation), Gombe State recorded the least incidences of killings, kidnapping and other violent crimes during the first quarter of this year (2022), thanks to the combined efforts of our security agencies and other relevant stakeholders. 

"However, it is imperative to note that Gombe State is not immune and insulated from happenings in other parts of the country. 

"We have our own share of local security threats fuelled by political thuggery, youth restlessness and unemployment which led to the emergence of the notorious Kalare group. 

"The proliferation of local militia groups therefore calls for a proactive approach in dealing with these emerging threats and applying local strategies for tackling them.

"It is in this regard that we established the Gombe State Security, Traffic and Environmental Corps (GOSTEC) were we aim to employ not less than 2000 youths with the first batch of 500 corps already engaged to support the statutory agencies in the state in maintaining law and order. 

"This home grown initiative is aimed at harnessing the energies of our youths in state building in line with our human capital development initiative", he added.

He further disclosed that his administration takes security issues seriously and that prompted him to establish the Ministry of Internal Security and Ethical Orientation when he assumed office. 

He added that to compliment his efforts, the government has launched a special security task force code named "Operation Hattara."

"As you are all aware, soon after I was sworn in as Governor, I established the first Ministry of Internal Security and Ethical Orientation in order to provide an institutional framework at the state level to support Federal Government Security Agencies, while also providing a framework for proactive resolution of conflict. 

'I am delighted that our decision to establish the Ministry is yielding great results, as evidenced by the decreasing rates of violent crimes and conflicts in the state. 

"To further strengthen our security and crime prevention system, we introduced new mechanisms for informal intelligence gathering and established the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre at Boltongo for regular training of our youth on informal intelligence gathering and early warning indicators. 

"Similarly, we increased the level of involvement of traditional authorities in dispute resolution and security management in their communities. 

"We also established security committees with dedicated telephone lines for reporting security breaches and potential threats by members of the public. 

"Furthermore, I appointed and empowered 3 Security Advisers, one each from the Military, Police and Intelligence Service backgrounds to achieve greater cooperation and collaboration between the government and federal security agencies". 

In his remark, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba said the summit was timely looking at the country's current security challenges.

The IGP further stated that the approach taken by the Gombe State Governor is inline with his approach of fighting criminality through active citizens participation. 

"To this extent the Nigerian Police Force conveys its full and wholehearted support to the Government of Gombe State under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the vision in convening this strategic summit".