By Segun Adewale in Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has been honoured with the prestigious 2026 Nigeria’s Most Secure State Excellence Award in recognition of his administration’s outstanding achievements in security management, crime prevention and public safety.
The award was presented yesterday by People’s Security Monitor during the 2026 Annual Security Conference and Award Ceremony held in Abuja. People’s Security Monitor (PSM) is a prominent independent security media and advocacy organization in Nigeria.
The conference was endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
According to the organizers, Governor Inuwa Yahaya earned the recognition for his administration’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-driven security operations, promoting peaceful coexistence and creating a stable environment conducive to governance, economic growth and investment in Gombe State.
The Governor was represented at the event by the Director-General, Federal Government Bureau and Abuja Liaison Office, Dr. Jamilu Jafaru, who received the award on his behalf.
The conference featured the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd) as Chief Guest Speaker, who was represented at the event. It was also attended by government officials, top security personnel, traditional rulers, policy experts and other stakeholders from across the country.
In addition to the award, Governor Inuwa Yahaya was accorded the honour of serving as the Chief Presenter of the book titled “The Defender of the Nation: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Three-Year Onslaught Against Insecurity, His Tough Decisions, Sacrifices and Gains.”
The 21-chapter publication, authored by Chief Isiaka Mustapha, critically examined Nigeria’s security challenges, counter-insurgency efforts, and the role of inter-agency collaboration in addressing insecurity nationwide.
Delivering the Governor’s keynote address on security governance, inter-agency cooperation and community-based approaches to sustaining peace and stability in Nigeria, Dr. Jafaru outlined four strategic pillars guiding the state government’s security agenda.
According to him, these include deepening inter-agency and community collaboration; institutionalizing the rule of law and respect for human rights; investing in technology-driven security initiatives and sustained logistical support for security agencies; and ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency in security funding.
“Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is continuously strengthening collaboration between formal security agencies and community-based structures to safeguard lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure,” he stated.
Dr. Jafaru further noted that Gombe has consistently ranked as the safest and most peaceful state in the North-East geopolitical zone, and among the most peaceful states nationwide.
“This security ranking is neither accidental nor a matter of chance. It is the direct result of deliberate, proactive and data-driven governance under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya,” he said.
“Despite the complex regional security dynamics surrounding the state, Gombe has continued to remain an oasis of peace and stability. This demonstrates that when political will aligns with federal security frameworks and professional expertise, sustainable peace is achievable.”
He emphasized that Gombe State remains committed to working closely with the Federal Government and national security institutions toward building a safe, united, and prosperous Nigeria.
