Gombe: The Gombe State Government has implemented a ban on all activities of scrap dealers throughout the state as a strategic move to bolster security measures. Mr. Zubairu Umar, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, announced the decision at a news conference, following the State Expanded Security Council meeting led by Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the ban was prompted by the lack of a centralized union for scrap dealers and reports of illegal activities associated with the sector. Mr. Umar highlighted that security reports revealed non-cooperation among scrap dealers, complicating efforts for security agencies to engage effectively due to the absence of a central union.
The situation is further complicated by the presence of multiple associations with differing viewpoints within the industry, making regulation and oversight challenging. As a result, the State Security Council has decided to ban all Bola-jari (scrap dealers) activities across the state until a unified leadership structure is established, dealers register with relevant authorities, and relocate to government-designated areas.
Umar emphasized that violators of the ban would face arrest, with the police instructed to enforce the decision rigorously. In a parallel development, the state government plans to initiate profiling of prospective tenants to enhance internal security. The commissioner noted that individuals were moving into the state without adequate documentation regarding their identity and purpose of stay.
A standard profiling template will be created by the Ministry of Justice and distributed to house agents, making tenant profiling a mandatory requirement. Completed forms will be submitted to the Gombe State Security, Traffic and Environmental Corps (GOSTEC) for monitoring and record-keeping purposes. The state government is also reviewing its security framework to address emerging threats and maintain peace.
In related news, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Chuso, reported ongoing efforts to capture those responsible for a recent attack on Pindiga Community, which resulted in two fatalities and the kidnapping of four individuals. The police, along with other security agencies and local hunters, are actively working to secure the release of the kidnapped victims. Commissioner Chuso reaffirmed the police command’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property throughout the state.