Published by Osasere Edomwonyi Ikpoba
The Adamawa State Government has taken a decisive step to consolidate the fragile peace returning to communities ravaged by years of insurgency, approving N381.6 million for the development of a Counter-Terrorism Base in Gulak, the headquarters of Madagali Local Government Area. The approval, granted at the 13th State Executive Council Meeting for 2026 presided over by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, covers the engagement of a consulting firm to provide pre- and post-construction services for the proposed security facility. The decision signals a significant escalation in the state's security response, targeting one of the areas that bore the brunt of Boko Haram's violent campaign in northeastern Nigeria.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Leader Leneke, who briefed journalists after the executive council meeting in Yola, said the initiative was aimed at strengthening security and preventing a resurgence of terrorist activities, particularly in areas that had previously suffered severe security challenges. The proposed base is expected to enhance security coordination and provide additional capacity for security agencies to respond swiftly to emerging threats. With normal life gradually returning to Madagali, the government said it would not take the improved security situation for granted.
The decision to establish a counter-terrorism base in Gulak is rooted in the area's painful history. Madagali Local Government Area, which shares a border with Borno State, was one of the most devastated by the Boko Haram insurgency that peaked between 2014 and 2015. Gulak itself was repeatedly attacked, with insurgents at various points attempting to overrun the town and establish a foothold. The town's strategic location, about 50 kilometres southwest of Gwoza in Borno State, made it a frequent target for terrorist incursions. In recent years, however, Nigerian troops have successfully repelled attacks, with reinforcements from Gulak playing a crucial role in defending the area.
The approval is part of a broader security architecture being developed across the state. In March 2026, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, approved the establishment of Counter Terrorism Unit bases in Madagali, Adamawa State, as well as in Ikot Odo in Akwa Ibom State and other locations in Ogun State. The new base in Gulak represents the state government's contribution to this national effort, providing the necessary infrastructure and support services to ensure the effectiveness of security operations in the region.
The executive council also expressed concern over recent developments in parts of the state, including reports of killings and other suspected security breaches. Leneke noted that restoring peace and security remained one of the major achievements of the Fintiri administration, emphasising that the relative calm had allowed residents to conduct their businesses and go about their daily activities without fear. He urged residents to report unfamiliar individuals and suspected criminals to security agencies, stressing that citizens had an important role to play in helping maintain peace and stability.
The security approval was among a raft of decisions taken at the executive council meeting, which approved contracts and procurements worth approximately N5 billion across education, agriculture, infrastructure and security. The council approved N1.752 billion for the construction of office blocks at the Adamawa State Post-Primary Schools Management Board in Yola, and N627.7 million for the construction of road networks and drainage systems at the Mega Science and Technical Secondary School in Hong Local Government Area. In the agricultural sector, the council approved N2.198 billion for the procurement of 46,300 bags of assorted fertilisers for dry-season farming, alongside N78.95 million for herbicides and pesticides. The approvals demonstrate the administration's continued focus on improving education, agriculture, infrastructure and security across Adamawa.
The council also addressed the growing threat of flooding, directing relevant authorities to intensify public sensitisation following predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency. Adamawa is among the states expected to experience flooding, particularly communities located along the River Benue and River Gongola. Leneke urged residents of riverine communities to remain vigilant and heed government warnings to relocate to safer areas when necessary. The commissioner recalled the devastating flooding experienced in Adamawa in 2025 and expressed hope that a similar situation would not occur this year.
For the people of Gulak and the wider Madagali Local Government Area, the approval of the counter-terrorism base represents a significant milestone in their long journey back from the brink of destruction. Years of insurgency left the town in ruins, displacing thousands and shattering the social and economic fabric of the community. The gradual return of peace has allowed residents to rebuild their lives, but the threat of resurgence remains ever-present. The new base is expected to provide a permanent security presence, deterring terrorist activities and reassuring communities that the government is committed to their protection. As Leneke noted, the government would not take the improved security situation for granted. The N381.6 million investment in Gulak is a clear statement that the peace won at great cost must be defended at any price.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments