Northern States Governors' Forum Appoints Ezekiel Gomos as Director-General to Strengthen Regional Coordination

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), under the leadership of its Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved the appointment of Mr. Ezekiel Gomos, OFR, as Director-General of the Forum’s Secretariat.

The appointment is in line with the Forum’s renewed commitment to strengthening its institutional capacity and improving coordination among the 19 northern states in addressing the region’s pressing challenges.

According to the Forum, creating the office of Director-General is a strategic step towards repositioning the Secretariat as a more effective hub for policy coordination, collective action and long-term development planning.

Mr. Gomos, a former Secretary to the Plateau State Government, is an accomplished development economist and policy expert with a distinguished career spanning public service, governance reform, private-sector development and human capital advancement.

His experience includes senior roles in high-impact institutions such as the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

In addition, he has been Lead Consultant and Head of Faculty at the Jos Business School (JBS), a centre dedicated to entrepreneurship development, leadership training, and policy dialogue.

For nearly two decades, Mr. Gomos has served as a resource person at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, contributing to the training of senior leaders across Nigeria in policy, strategy and national development.

The new DG's academic credentials include graduate and postgraduate degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of East Anglia, UK. He is also a recipient of several prestigious international fellowships, including the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship (University of Minnesota), the British Chevening Scholarship and the UNDP Fellowship at the ILO Training Centre in Turin.

Gomos has attended senior executive programmes at Harvard Kennedy School, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and Durham University Business School.

Presenting the appointment letter, Governor Inuwa Yahaya charged Mr. Gomos to apply his extensive expertise in strategic leadership, institutional development and policy management to strengthen the NSGF Secretariat into a robust platform for collective security coordination, regional economic cooperation and sustainable development across the North.

The NSGF Chairman expressed confidence that the appointment will usher in a new era of deeper collaboration, improved coordination and more coherent regional responses to the North’s most critical challenges.

Dozens Feared Dead as Tribal Militia Attack Bachama Communities in Adamawa

Dozens are feared dead after heavily armed Chobo-speaking tribal militia from Gombe State, supported by local allies, launched coordinated attacks on Bachama communities in Adamawa’s Lamurde LGA. The attackers reportedly advanced through creek routes, burning Tingno and Waduku to ashes and displacing residents before security forces repelled their push toward Lamurde. The violence erupted days after a fragile peace deal brokered by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. A 24-hour curfew has now been imposed, with police and military tactical units deployed to restore order.

Marginalisation of Herdsmen Fueling Insecurity — Gov. Yahaya

The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, says insecurity across northern Nigeria has worsened largely because the country failed to understand and address the grievances that pushed many armed bandits to take up weapons.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna, Yahaya disclosed that the 19 northern governors have agreed to form a joint regional security coordination agency. Under the new arrangement, each state will contribute ₦1 billion monthly to boost collective efforts against k+dnapping, b@nditry, and the rising wave of school closures.

The decision was reached during the Northern Governors’ meeting earlier in the week, following renewed att+cks that have resulted in mass abd¥ctions and the shutdown of schools in several states. Yahaya noted that part of the region’s escalating security challenges stems from the historical marginalisation and unjust treatment of pastoralist communities, which he said created anger and frustration later exploited by criminal groups.

He stressed that resolving insecurity would require confronting these root causes, including issues of exclusion, lack of justice, and deepening economic hardship. The governor added that the new regional security framework will enhance intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and preventive strategies across all affected states, marking a major shift in how the region coordinates its response to v#olence and instability.

Photos from the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bauchi–Gombe Road under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks a significant step toward transforming one of the most neglected federal roads in the North-East.

For years, the Bauchi–Gombe corridor was widely regarded as one of the worst roads to travel on, causing hardship for motorists, traders, and communities that rely on it for daily movement and economic activities. Today, that narrative is changing, as extensive rehabilitation work is visibly underway.

This progress is a testament to the dedication of Engr. David Umahi, the Honourable Minister of Works, whose leadership reflects the Federal Government’s strong commitment to delivering quality infrastructure, enhancing regional connectivity, and driving national development.

With this project, the administration is not only easing transportation challenges but also boosting commerce, safety, and socioeconomic growth across the region.

JUST IN: The Gombe State Police Command has busted an inter-state syndicate involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and cattle rustling.

Operatives of the command, in collaboration with professional hunters, stormed criminal hideouts and engaged the syndicate in a gun duel, neutralized two and arrested seven suspects.

The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, says the failure to understand the grievances that pushed armed bandits to take up w€apons is one of the major factors worsening insecurity across northern Nigeria.

EFCC Arraigns Gombe Magistrate Mohammed Kumo Over Alleged ₦1.4m Bribery, Extortion Charges

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned serving Gombe magistrate Mohammed Suleiman Kumo before Justice H.H. Kereng on a three-count charge of bribery and extortion involving ₦1.4 million. Kumo was accused of receiving illicit payments through a court registrar’s bank account in violation of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act. He pleaded not guilty, and the court granted him interim bail while adjourning the case to January 13 and 14, 2026, for ruling on the bail application and continuation of hearing.

JUST IN: Yesterday Gombe Central Senator, Danjuma Goje, openly challenged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for repeatedly stalling plenary sessions to hold private discussions with selected lawmakers.

Negotiating with B@ndits Is Beyond Northern Governors; It’s a National Issue”

~ Gombe state Governor Yahaya says

UK warns against travel to six Nigerian states over rising insecurity.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has issued a fresh warning against travel to parts of Nigeria, citing escalating insecurity, violent crime, terrorism, and kidnappings across multiple regions.

In its latest Foreign Travel Advice published on GOV.UK and sighted by our correspondent on Sunday, the FCDO stated, “Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime, and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions of Nigeria.”

The advisory urged British nationals to exercise extreme caution, review safety procedures, and ensure they have contingency plans in place.

The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, citing a “high and increasing threat from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa, particularly around transport hubs, religious areas and large gatherings.”

The statement warned that “humanitarian personnel, vehicles, supplies, and infrastructure can be targeted by terrorists and criminals.”

In addition, the UK government advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba states, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory.

The FCDO said, “Violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas of the city.”

It added that “British Government staff in Nigeria have been advised to restrict travel to an area broadly within the Abuja metropolitan area.”

Gombe Commissioner Dies In Auto Crash.

The Gombe State Government has confirmed the death of the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd), in a car accident on Friday.

The incident occurred along the Malam Sidi–Gombe road as the retired officer was returning from Maiduguri, Borno State, where he had attended the North-East Regional Consultation on the Development of a National Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme.

According to a statement by the governor’s media aide, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, the commissioner’s police orderly, Sergeant Adamu Hussaini, also died in the crash, while his driver sustained injuries and is receiving treatment.

Reacting to the news, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the late commissioner as a disciplined officer and dedicated public servant who brought his military expertise to the service of Gombe State.

“Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd) will be remembered as a pillar of discipline, courage, and selfless service. He carried out his duties with unmatched diligence and a deep sense of responsibility. His demise is a monumental loss not only to his family and our government, but to Gombe State and Nigeria at large,” Yahaya stated.

The governor highlighted Bello’s role in shaping security policies and fostering collaboration among agencies, noting that his efforts strengthened community safety and reinforced Gombe’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the North-East.

Yahaya extended condolences to the families of the commissioner and the deceased police orderly, praying Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Aljannat Firdaus.

“They died in active service to the state and the nation,” he said, while also wishing the injured driver a speedy recovery.

The state government said details of the commissioner’s funeral would be announced later.

The Era of Calling Nigeria “Most Corrupt Country” Is Over — First Lady Remi Tinubu.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, says the era of branding Nigeria as the “most corrupt country” in the world has ended.

Speaking during her official visit to Gombe State, where she commissioned several health facilities including the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Kumo, Mrs Tinubu urged citizens to stop demeaning the nation’s image, noting that global perception of Nigeria is improving under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Gone are the days when they say Nigeria is the most corr¥pt country. You won’t hear that again,” she said. “When I travel abroad and they hear you’re from Nigeria, everyone is interested. Nigeria is now the next destination.”

The First Lady, who also paid homage to the Emir of Akko, encouraged Nigerians to show national pride and speak positively about their country.

She described Gombe’s landscape as “beautiful and comparable to the English countryside,” adding that Nigerians should celebrate the nation’s natural and cultural assets.

Mrs Tinubu linked her message of patriotism to the administration’s ongoing reforms in security, education, and grassroots development, emphasizing the role of traditional and religious leaders in shaping citizens’ attitudes.

“I’m 65 years old now, and I pray to live long,” she said. “I’m working so hard so that when my husband finishes his tenure, I too can walk around safely. That is what drives me.

She called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and supportive of government efforts aimed at restoring the nation’s pride and strengthening its place in the global community.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been conferred with the revered traditional title of Sarauniyar Yaki (Warrior Queen) of the Akko Emirate in Gombe State.

The Lamido Akko, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Atiku, bestowed the title on Thursday in recognition of her dedication to defending the vulnerable and advancing the welfare of women and children across the nation.

In her remarks after the conferment, the First Lady expressed gratitude for the honour, describing it as both humbling and inspiring. She reaffirmed her commitment to championing the cause of the girl-child in education and health, while urging traditional rulers to support her advocacy and help drive her initiatives to grassroots communities.

The ceremony, which took place at the Akko Emirate, was attended by Gombe State Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, and other dignitaries.

EFCC Declares Akolawole, Enweremadu "Wanted" For Fraud And Money Laundering Cases.

According to a report by Sahara Reporters on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared 38-year-old Abdusalam Abdussamad Akolawole wanted for alleged conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.

In a notice signed by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC said:

"Abdusalam Abdussamad Akolawole, an indigene of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Conspiracy and Obtaining Money by False Pretence.

His last known address is River Park Estate, Cluster 1, Babatunde Folawiyo Plot 101, Lugbe, Abuja."

The Commission added: "Anyone with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission’s offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja."

Similarly, the EFCC declared Christopher Enweremadu, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in Abia State, wanted for alleged conspiracy, diversion of public funds, stealing, and money laundering.

In another notice, also signed by Oyewale, the EFCC said:

"The public is hereby notified that CHRISTOPHER ENWEREMADU, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy, Diversion of Public Funds, Stealing and Money Laundering. He is a 58-year-old indigene of Abia State, and his last known address is Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Umuahia, Abia State."

The agency further appealed: "Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja offices."

EFCC declares Billionaire Businessman, Sujimoto Wanted .

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday declared Olasijibomi Suji Ogundele, the owner of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited wanted.

The commission in a notice issued on its social media platform said Ogundele, 44, is wanted over an alleged case of diversion of funds and a money laundering case.

According to the commission, Ogudele, a native of Ori-Ade Local Government of Osun State and his last known address is G 29, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

The commission appealed to anyone with useful information about his whereabouts to contact its offices in any location across the country.

“Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices or through 08093322644; its e-mail address: [email protected] or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies,” EFCC said.

North-East Govs Meet Tinubu, Seek Oil Exploration, Completion Of Projects

North-East governors have urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise oil exploration in frontier wells and complete 17 critical road projects across the region.

Led by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, the governors made the appeal during a meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday. They also called for work to resume at the Kolmani and Lake Chad oil wells.

The governors listed major projects, including the Kano–Maiduguri Road, Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Maiduguri Railway line, Bama–Mubi–Yola Road, Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Damaturu Road, and Maiduguri–Monguno–Baga Road, among others.

Zulum, who chairs the North-East Governors’ Forum, commended Tinubu for consolidating peace in the sub-region and pledged the forum’s support for his administration’s security and development agenda.

Responding, the president assured the governors of his commitment to addressing the region’s infrastructural and developmental challenges.

Nigerian Armed Forces Don’t Support Payment Of Money To Criminal Groups — Defence HQ

The Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Emeka Onumajuru, has clarified that the Nigerian Armed Forces do not support paying bandits, stressing that such measures have proven ineffective.

He explained that instead of financial settlements, the military runs a Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) programme under Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe and Zamfara for repentant fighters who surrender their weapons and undergo profiling.

Onumajuru urged communities to work with security agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s borders.

His remarks followed recent criticism by former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, who accused the government of adopting a “kiss-the-bandits” policy. However, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) dismissed El-Rufai’s claim as “false and baseless,” insisting no payments or incentives are being made to criminal groups.

Source: Channels TV

#Security #Nigeria #Defence

Gombe Lawyer Sues State Government, Police Over Motorcycle Ban, Demands ₦50m Damages
August 31, 2025 | News

A Gombe-based lawyer, Usamatu Abubakar, has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the Gombe State Government and the state police command over what he described as an “unlawful motorcycle ban.”

Abubakar is seeking ₦50 million in damages, a public apology, and a court order lifting the restriction on motorcycle use between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., which has been in force since June 11, 2025. He argues that the restriction, imposed by the police without legislation from the state assembly, violates Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution guaranteeing freedom of movement.

The suit lists the Gombe State Governor, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of Police as respondents. Abubakar also wants the unconditional release of confiscated motorcycles and a perpetual injunction restraining authorities from imposing such restrictions without proper law.

A hearing date is yet to be fixed.

Pres. Tinubu Approves Lifetime Salary Benefits for Retiring Senior Officers — Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced a new policy granting lifetime salary benefits to senior officers retiring from the rank of Deputy Controller, Comptroller, or Commandant-General and above.

The policy, approved by President Bola Tinubu, was unveiled on Thursday during the 2025 Ministerial Retreat, where Tunji-Ojo outlined his ministry’s achievements and reaffirmed its commitment to institutional reforms.

“In recognition of the welfare of senior officers, the minister announced that any officer retiring from the rank of Deputy Controller/Comptroller/Commandant-General will now receive lifetime salary benefits, a policy graciously approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” a statement signed by DCF PO Abraham, NPRO/Head of Corporate Services, Federal Fire Service, said.

The statement further conveyed the minister’s gratitude, “The minister expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support, affirming that all agencies under the Ministry of Interior are reaping the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the ministry had cleared a long-standing backlog of promotions, with over 50,000 officers elevated in the last two years. Going forward, promotions will be tied to capacity and performance. He also revealed that new training manuals have been developed and that construction of a world-class Fire Academy—designed to rival institutions such as the Arizona Fire Academy—is underway.

The minister stressed the importance of workplace m+ntal health, pledging the ministry’s full support for officers in this regard. He further urged the Federal Fire Service to pursue private sector partnerships to strengthen service delivery, improve infrastructure, and modernise firefighting operations nationwide.

He added that the framework will be participatory, involving government, private sector, labour, civil society, and traditional institutions.

On food security, Shettima announced that NASENI has scaled up local production of solar-powered irrigation pumps, saying: “This is the story of a nation’s refusal to be hostage to petrol-powered systems.” The Council also directed the release of funds for the next polio immunisation campaign, following a 46% drop in cases in 2025, though Sokoto remains a hotspot.

Gombe Governor Inuwa Yahaya confirmed gains in Kano and Katsina. Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu explained the plan is the second of six five-year frameworks under Nigeria Agenda 2050, targeting job creation, infrastructure, human capital, food security, and social protection. Governors, including Charles Soludo, welcomed the early start and urged inclusive state-level participation. NEC also resolved to integrate technology into routine immunisation and called for urgent release of campaign funds.

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday chaired the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with several governors in attendance, including those of Zamfara, Jigawa, Lagos, Anambra, Gombe, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and Ondo, as well as the Rivers State Sole Administrator.

The Council announced progress in the fight against Type-2 Polio virus, with cases reduced from 78 in 2024 to 42 as of August 2025. Kano and Katsina recorded over 80% decline, while Gombe had no new cases this year. However, Sokoto remains at high risk, recording 13 of the 23 new cases in 2025.

#Nigeria #NEC #Shettima #Governors #Polio #Health #BreakingNews