The Yobe State Government has ordered the immediate closure of three weekly markets in Katarko, Kukareta, and Buni Yadi as part of ongoing efforts to tackle rising insecurity and curb the activities of criminal elements within the affected communities.
The directive was announced in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Mai Mala Buni, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd), who noted that the decision was taken in collaboration with security agencies to consolidate recent gains in the state’s counter-insurgency operations.
“This temporary closure is aimed at safeguarding lives and property while allowing security forces to conduct proactive engagements in the area,” the statement read.
While acknowledging the inconvenience the move may cause residents, Abdulsalam emphasized that the measure is in the collective interest of the people and is crucial to achieving lasting peace.
He assured the public that efforts are underway to expedite the security operations to ensure that the affected markets are reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
The statement also called on residents of the affected communities to support the government and security forces by providing credible intelligence that could help in identifying and apprehending criminal elements threatening the peace of the state.
Yobe State continues to face security challenges linked to insurgency and banditry, particularly in areas bordering Borno State, making such preventive measures vital to public safety and the protection of critical infrastructure.