Insecurity: Governor Yahaya urges FG to invest more in security forces
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has called on the Federal Government (FG) to invest more in training, funding, and equipping of the nation’s security forces to better face the security challenges crippling the country.
The Governor said the Security challenges confronting the country require the highest level of capacity in intelligence gathering and surveillance to nip the ugly monster in the bud.
According to a statement that was issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, the Director-General (DG) Press Affairs Gombe Government House, stated this while speaking at the closing ceremony of the Special Intervention Squad SIS Course, Batch 6 at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) Lower Usman Dam at Bwari in Abuja.
Misilli said: “The Governor, who was the special guest of honour at the occasion, lamented the security situation in the country, advising that the challenges must be taken within the broader context of insecurity in the Sahel, sub-Saharan Africa and the entire globe”.
The Governor said his decision to attend the closing ceremony of the Special Intervention Squad Course was predicted on the fact that he is from the North East which is the sub-region that is currently facing the greatest security challenge.
“If I tell you that I sleep with my two eyes closed as a Governor I think I must be joking because the security situation in the North East is so disturbing and worrisome that it needs a concerted effort and cooperation of all stakeholders from the administrators to the operatives, so as to move forward and close the gaps,” Governor Yahaya said.
However, the Governor described the training as apt and timely, saying: “the security situation is getting out of hand and I think that is what necessitated this training for your operatives”.
“The Governor, however, said despite the prevailing security challenges rocking the North East sub-region, Gombe State remains largely peaceful, praising his administrations inclusive and community driven approach to security”.
While thanking the Department of State Security Service (DSS) for its cooperation and commitment in quelling the recent crisis in Billiri Local Government area of the state, Governor Yahaya pledged his government’s commitment to partnering with the service and other security agencies.
On his part, the Director General, State Service, Yusuf Magaji Bichi who was represented by the Director, Economic Intelligence of the service, charged the course participants to put into practice the knowledge acquired during the training, just as he asked them to remain disciplined, loyal and committed as demanded by the ethics of the profession.
While also in his remarks, the commandant of the institute, Alhaji A.S. Adeleke, appreciated the Governor of Gombe State for his disposition towards ensuring peace and security, not only in Gombe state but the North East and the country at large.
He said: “You have invested heavily on security and we also appreciate the way you handled the recent issue in your state. This is highly remarkable and commendable”.
Adeleke explained that the service is concentrating on training of younger elements within its ranks to confront the numerous security challenges both nationally and globally.
He said that the 58 participants were carefully selected and trained on various tactical operations, including timed reaction and target precision, evacuation, marksmanship, unarmed combat among other drilling.
Insecurity: Governor Yahaya urges FG to invest more in security forces