By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality, declaring that peace, unity and collective vigilance remain the strongest weapons against insecurity.

The governor made the declaration on Monday in a statewide broadcast to mark the launch of the “Unite Against Terror” campaign, calling on residents to reject violence, hate and division.

“Our administration will continue to reject and condemn terrorism, criminality, hate and violence in all their forms. We must promote peace, tolerance, mutual respect and understanding among ourselves, irrespective of our ethnic, religious or political differences. Criminals and terrorists thrive where there is division; they fail where communities are united and vigilant,” he said.

Yahaya stressed that security and development are inseparable, describing insecurity as the greatest obstacle to the development of Northern Nigeria.

“Without security, there can be no development, and without development, there can be no lasting peace. These two pillars must be pursued with equal vigour if we are to build the future our people deserve,” he added.

The governor noted that although Gombe has made significant progress in building a safer and more prosperous society, sustained collaboration among government, security agencies and citizens remains essential to preserving the state’s hard-earned peace.

He attributed Gombe’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states to deliberate investments and reforms introduced since he assumed office in 2019. These include the establishment of the Ministry of Internal Security and Internal Affairs, the Gombe State Security, Traffic and Environmental Corps (GOSTEC), and Operation Hattara, a joint security task force to enhance inter-agency coordination and rapid response.

Yahaya also highlighted the strengthening of local vigilante groups, the provision of operational vehicles and logistics to security agencies, and the creation of community peace committees to resolve farmer-herder conflicts and communal disputes before they escalate.

“As a result, we have witnessed improved intelligence sharing, faster response times and greater community cooperation, all of which have contributed to Gombe’s recognition as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria,” he said.

Speaking as Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, the governor disclosed that he has championed the establishment of the Northern States Security Trust Fund to enable states in the region to pool resources and tackle shared security challenges.

He noted that the porous borders between northern states make regional collaboration essential in addressing terrorism, banditry and other cross-border crimes.

“No state can achieve lasting peace in isolation. We must work together, share intelligence and coordinate our responses collectively,” he said.

The governor also commended the contributions of traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, women and youth groups, describing them as key partners in peace-building, conflict resolution and community surveillance.

He urged residents to report suspicious movements and activities capable of threatening public safety, insisting that security is a collective responsibility.

“Government and security agencies cannot do it alone. If you see something, say something. Timely and credible information remains one of the most effective tools for preventing crime and protecting lives and property,” he appealed.

Yahaya further challenged security agencies to embrace technology-driven solutions, intelligence-led operations and stronger community engagement while upholding respect for human rights.

He also called on residents to support the Federal Government’s efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to combat terrorism and violent extremism nationwide.

Urging citizens to embrace the “Unite Against Terror” campaign, the governor said the peace and stability currently enjoyed in Gombe must be protected through collective action.

“The peace and stability we enjoy today have been hard-won, and we must never take them for granted. Let us continue to pray for our security personnel, our leaders and for the unity, peace and prosperity of Gombe State and Nigeria,” he said.