Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has ordered the dismantling of all security checkpoints in Gashua and Garin Alkali, located respectively in Bade and Bursari local government areas of the state.
In a statement signed by Brig. Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (retd), the special adviser to the governor on security, it was revealed that the decision followed a thorough review of security arrangements in the locations.
“No security agency should henceforth mount or man any roadblock or checkpoint between Gashua and Garin Alkali. All roadblocks in Gashua town and environs are to be removed and replaced with standing/mobile patrols without interfering with the free flow of vehicular traffic in and around Gashua town.
“Standing patrols should be established on Sunday, being Garin Alkali Market Day, along Bayamari Road and along Jakusko Road after Garin Alkali to provide a security presence on market day.
“The patrols should be cited off the road and should not interfere with traffic flow unless the security situation based on credible intelligence necessitates a stop-and-search or snap roadblock, which should be duly authorised for a short period,” the statement reads in part.
He also stated that henceforth, there should be no extortion of dry season farmers conveying fuel or NPK fertiliser to their farm by any security agency, urging that the use of urea fertiliser be banned throughout Yobe State.
The statement concluded by directing heads of security agencies to ensure immediate and strict compliance with the directives by security units and formations under their command within the mentioned local government areas.