Seven years after Governor Mai Mala Buni assumed office in Yobe State, his administration says improved security and stability remain central to its record in a region long affected by insurgency and humanitarian crises.
Speaking at a press conference in Damaturu to mark the administration’s seventh anniversary, the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Mohammed Goje, described the period as one of “continuity, consolidation, recovery and transformation”.
The anniversary event highlighted what officials say are efforts to reposition Yobe from one of the states heavily impacted by insecurity in North-East Nigeria to a more stable environment for economic and social activities.
When Mr Buni took office in 2019, Yobe State was still dealing with the effects of years of insurgency, including displacement of communities, disruption of economic activities, closure of schools and damage to public infrastructure.
According to Mr Goje, security became a key priority for the administration’s wider development agenda.
He said the government adopted a strategy that combined support for security agencies with community engagement, peacebuilding initiatives and humanitarian recovery programmes.
The administration says it procured more than 200 operational motorcycles and 60 patrol vehicles to support the activities of the military, police, vigilante groups, hunters and community response teams operating across the state.
Government officials also highlighted the rehabilitation of the 233 Battalion Barracks, the construction of accommodation for military personnel and the establishment of a military camp in Gashua.
Security agencies including the Armed Forces, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), NDLEA and the Correctional Service were also provided with logistical support, according to the government.
Officials said the administration additionally sought to strengthen coordination among security institutions through the creation of the Yobe State Security Stakeholders Forum.
The forum brought together security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and government officials to improve collaboration and intelligence sharing on security issues, the government said.
More than 100 government officials also received specialised training in areas such as criminal intelligence, crisis management and non-kinetic security operations through institutions including the Defence Intelligence College and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
The administration further highlighted welfare support for security personnel, including financial assistance to wounded officers and families of deceased personnel, as well as housing initiatives for senior officers and affected families.
In several communities across the state, residents say improved security has contributed to the gradual return of commercial activities, farming and transportation services.
Markets that were previously disrupted have reopened, while some schools affected by insecurity have resumed operations.
Residents in Damaturu, Gashua, Nguru and other parts of the state have also reported increased movement of goods and people as security conditions improved.
Although security challenges persist in parts of the wider North-East region, analysts say Yobe’s experience reflects the importance of combining military operations with governance reforms, community engagement and institutional support.
The improved security environment has also supported broader government programmes in education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development.
As the Buni administration marks seven years in office, officials say the government’s focus remains on sustaining stability and supporting long-term development across the state.
