The Gombe State Government has imposed an immediate ban on the scrap metal business, popularly known as Bola Jari, citing serious security risks linked to the trade.
The decision was announced on Monday by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Zubair Muhammad Umar, following an expanded meeting of the State Security Council chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Umar said the council approved the ban after a thorough assessment of security reports indicating a rise in vandalism of public infrastructure and other criminal activities associated with scrap metal trading in the state.
According to him, the meeting was convened to review emerging security challenges, during which the council adopted far-reaching security measures aimed at strengthening public safety and enhancing internal security across Gombe State.
He noted that the council expressed deep concern over the persistent vandalisation of school facilities and other public assets, many of which were allegedly sold to scrap metal dealers.
On the broader national security situation and its implications for the state, the attorney-general said the council resolved to intensify vigilance and surveillance, particularly with respect to individuals relocating into Gombe.
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He explained that all persons seeking to reside or rent accommodation in the state would henceforth be properly profiled, with their personal details documented to strengthen intelligence gathering and enable security agencies to verify residents when necessary.
Addressing recurring farmer-herder conflicts, Umar disclosed that the government had constituted an enforcement committee to implement recommendations contained in the White Paper on Grazing Reserves and Cattle Routes.
He said the White Paper followed the report of an earlier committee chaired by a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zubairu Muazu, which reviewed the status of grazing reserves and cattle routes across the state.
Umar stressed that the measures were designed to promote peaceful coexistence, strengthen internal security, and enhance grassroots intelligence gathering.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, Umar Ahmad Chuso, said security agencies had intensified operations following recent incidents of abductions and killings in Pindiga, Akko Local Government Area.
Describing the incidents as unfortunate, the police commissioner assured residents that concerted efforts were ongoing to rescue abducted victims, apprehend those responsible, and prevent a recurrence.