Gombe unveils special task force to ‘reinforce security architecture’

The Gombe government has launched ‘Operation Hattara’, a special security task force for the state.

At the unveiling ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, Inuwa Yahaya, governor of Gombe, said the launch of the outfit is part of efforts to reinforce the security architecture of the state.

The launch of the security outfit was part of activities held at the state’s maiden peace and security summit.

According to a statement by Ismaila Misilli, media aide to the governor, Yahaya highlighted efforts by the state to address insecurity, adding that with the right collaboration among security agencies, there will be sustainable peace.

“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,” he was quoted as saying.

“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 sub-regions.

“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.

“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), where we aim to employ not less than 2,000 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.”

According to Misilli, the governor added that as part of efforts to build on the gains of improved security, his administration decided to work with security agencies to launch ‘Operation Hattara’, “with the purpose of reinforcing security architecture in and around Gombe state”.

Also present at the event were Usman Baba, the inspector-general of police; and Abubakar Shehu III, the Emir of Gombe.

See photos below.