Pix: Gov. Yahaya

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has been honoured with the prestigious 2026 Nigeria’s Most Secure State Excellence Award in recognition of his administration’s remarkable achievements in security management, crime prevention, and public safety.

The award was presented by People’s Security Monitor (PSM) during its 2026 Annual Security Conference and Award Ceremony held in Abuja. PSM is a leading independent security media and advocacy organisation dedicated to promoting security awareness and excellence in Nigeria.

The conference, which was endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), brought together top government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, policy experts, and stakeholders from across the country to discuss national security challenges and solutions.

According to the organisers, Governor Inuwa Yahaya was selected for the award in recognition of his administration’s sustained commitment to intelligence-led security operations, peaceful coexistence, and the creation of a secure environment that supports governance, economic growth, and investment in Gombe State.

Representing the Governor at the event, the Director-General of the Federal Government Bureau and Abuja Liaison Office, Dr. Jamilu Jafaru, received the award on his behalf.

The event also featured the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, represented by senior military officials, alongside distinguished guests from various sectors of national life.

In addition to receiving the award, Governor Inuwa Yahaya was accorded the honour of serving as the Chief Presenter of the book, “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, examines Nigeria’s evolving security landscape, counter-insurgency operations, and the critical role of inter-agency cooperation in tackling insecurity across the country.

Delivering the Governor’s keynote address on security governance, inter-agency collaboration, and community-based approaches to sustaining peace, Dr. Jafaru highlighted four strategic pillars driving the Gombe State Government’s security agenda.

According to him, the pillars include strengthening collaboration among security agencies and local communities, institutionalising the rule of law and respect for human rights, investing in technology-driven security initiatives and logistics support for security agencies, and ensuring transparency and accountability in security-related expenditures.

“Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya remains committed to deepening cooperation between conventional security institutions and community-based structures in order to protect lives, property, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure across Gombe State,” Dr. Jafaru stated.

He noted that Gombe has consistently maintained its reputation as the safest and most peaceful state in the North-East geopolitical zone and ranks among the most peaceful states in Nigeria.

“This achievement is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate, proactive, and data-driven governance under the visionary leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. Despite the complex security challenges confronting parts of the region, Gombe has remained an oasis of peace, stability, and progress,” he said.

Dr. Jafaru further stressed that the state’s experience demonstrates that sustainable peace can be achieved when political will is effectively aligned with federal security frameworks and professional expertise.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Gombe State Government to continued collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders in advancing national peace, unity, and development.

Reacting to the award, the Director-General of Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, described the recognition as a testament to Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s unwavering commitment to peace, security, and inclusive governance.

“This award is a clear validation of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s strategic investments in security, community engagement, and institutional collaboration. Under his leadership, Gombe State has become a model of peace and stability, attracting investors, businesses, and development partners. The recognition reflects the collective efforts of the government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and the people of Gombe State in sustaining a secure and conducive environment for growth and prosperity,” Misilli said.

He added that the administration would remain focused on consolidating its security gains while supporting national efforts aimed at building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.