The Gombe State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and community stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering and tackle insecurity across the state.
The State Commandant, Idris Jibrin, made the call on Thursday while delivering his opening remarks at the Stakeholders’ Security Interface Meeting held in Gombe.
Jibrin described the meeting as “a deliberate step towards strengthening and reshaping the security architecture of Gombe State through partnership, trust, and shared responsibility.”
According to him, security remains the responsibility of government, but its success depends largely on the support and cooperation of citizens.
“The protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government. However, no government and no security agency can effectively discharge this responsibility without the active support and cooperation of the people,” he said.
The commandant stressed that the current security challenges facing the state require what he described as “a whole-of-society approach,” noting that the NSCDC alone cannot effectively combat criminal activities without timely and credible intelligence from communities.
“We are gathered here today with one clear objective: to strengthen our collective resolve against insecurity. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Gombe State Command, cannot do it alone. We need timely, credible and actionable intelligence, as well as seamless collaboration from those who know the terrain best—you, the people,” he stated.
Jibrin reminded participants that critical national assets, including power transmission lines, telecommunications facilities, bridges, schools, railway infrastructure and water installations, are located within communities and require collective vigilance.
“We therefore rely on your vigilance to safeguard these assets and promptly report any suspicious activities around them,” he said.
He explained that the meeting was also convened in line with the NSCDC’s statutory responsibility to monitor activities of religious bodies and trade associations in the interest of national security.
According to him, the objective is to deepen intelligence gathering, improve information sharing and strengthen operational collaboration between the Corps and community-based security actors.
“You remain our first line of defence, especially in rural communities. You see, hear and understand the realities and dynamics of your environments better than anyone else,” he said.
“Our goal is to establish a robust framework through which information can flow swiftly, securely and effectively to law enforcement agencies for prompt action.”
Jibrin commended community leaders and local security volunteers for their sacrifices in protecting lives and property but cautioned against uncoordinated operations.
“I wish to sincerely appreciate all of you for your courage and sacrifices in the face of danger. Your efforts have contributed immensely to saving lives and protecting communities. However, courage without coordination can lead to avoidable losses. That is why we are here today—to plan together, train together and succeed together,” he said.
The commandant assured stakeholders that all credible intelligence received by the command would be handled professionally and confidentially.
“Under my watch, every piece of credible intelligence received will be treated with urgency, professionalism and confidentiality. In return, I seek your commitment that no action will be taken outside the established command and control structure.”
He declared that criminals would not be allowed to find refuge in Gombe State.
“Let me be clear: Gombe State will not become a safe haven for criminals. To achieve this, we must trust one another, share information without fear, and work together as one united front,” he stated.
Jibrin urged participants to freely present their observations and recommendations during the engagement, assuring them that the NSCDC would continue to strengthen lawful and coordinated security operations across the state.
He disclosed that he had received the mandate of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to work closely with stakeholders in sustaining peace across Gombe State’s 11 Local Government Areas and 13 Local Council Development Areas.
“Our objective is simple: to promote effective intelligence gathering, proper assessment and timely information sharing in order to create a peaceful and secure environment where farmers can cultivate their lands without fear, traders can move their goods freely, and children can sleep peacefully at night without the sound of gunfire,” he said.
The commandant expressed appreciation to the Commandant General for the confidence reposed in him and thanked the Gombe State Government, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their continued support towards maintaining peace and security in the state.
He thereafter declared the Stakeholders’ Security Interface Meeting open and called for “frank, productive and action-oriented deliberations.”