Special Adviser on Security Commends Yobe Task Force as Street Traders Comply with Relocation Order

By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu

The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor of Yobe State, Brigadier-General Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd), PhD, has commended members of the Joint Task Force on the Relocation of Street Traders for their effective sensitisation and enforcement efforts, marking growing compliance by street traders across Damaturu metropolis with the state government’s relocation directive.

Speaking shortly after the first day of enforcement tour of major streets in the state capital, particularly Bayan Tasha and other areas previously known for heavy roadside trading, Birgedia-General Abdulsalam expressed satisfaction with the positive response of traders to the directive to relocate to the Ibrahim Geidam Modern Market.

He explained that the exercise forms part of the Yobe State Government’s sustained efforts to restore order, strengthen security and improve the urban outlook of Damaturu.

According to him, early compliance by traders demonstrates increased awareness of the security, environmental and traffic risks associated with roadside trading, “and the level of compliance we are beginning to witness is encouraging and commendable”.

The government has provided a modern market with adequate facilities, constructed by the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni, to ensure a safe, organised and conducive environment for commercial activities,” Dr. Abdulsalam said.

He reiterated that the continued presence of traders on roadsides and street corners poses serious security, environmental and traffic challenges, stressing that there is no justification for obstructing roads and exposing lives and property to avoidable risks.

The Task Force moved round the metropolis, accompanied by Mobile and Revenue Court, led by four magistrates, with the legal team headed by Barrister Rakiya Tofa Muktar. Officials explained that the presence of the court was to ensure immediate legal action against defaulters after the expiration of the one-day ultimatum.

The Joint Task Force Committee comprises of representatives of key security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Other participating agencies include the Yobe State Road Traffic Maintenance Agency (YOROTA), the Hunters Group, and the Yobe State Environmental Protection Agency (YOSEPA).

Officials further disclosed that the joint operation would operate for three to four months, during which compliance would have been closely monitored and enforcement sustained to prevent return to street trading after relocation.