Kefas Sets Up Zonal Security Team To Tackle Insecurity In Taraba

Taraba State governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has approved the establishment of a Zonal Security Consultative Team as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders in addressing insecurity across the state.

The initiative, according to the state government, is designed to provide a structured platform for regular engagement on security challenges across different zones, as well as develop practical, community-driven solutions for protecting lives and property.

This was disclosed in a statement issued in Jalingo by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps.

The statement explained that the consultative team brings together political leaders, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, and technical experts to improve intelligence gathering, conflict prevention, and coordinated responses to emerging security threats.

Under the arrangement, the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly will serve as Chairman of the team, while the SSG will act as Alternate Chairman and Coordinator.

Other members include the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioners for Agriculture and Food Security, Women Affairs, and Information and Re-orientation, as well as representatives from relevant state agencies, including the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Youth Development Agency, and the Sports Development Commission.

The security architecture of the team also comprises the Commissioner of Police, Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and representatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Correctional Service, as well as Taraba Marshals and Forest Guards.

To ensure grassroots participation, the team also includes representatives of the Taraba State Council of Chiefs, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Muslim Council of Nigeria, women and youth groups, farmers and herders associations, hunters and vigilante groups, civil society organisations, and persons with disabilities.

The government said the broad-based composition is intended to strengthen community confidence, enhance early warning systems, and improve conflict management across the state.

A secretariat has also been established to support the operations of the team. It comprises the Legal Adviser to the Governor, Deputy Chief of Staff, Permanent Secretary (General Services), Director of Administration at the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs, Director of Security Services, and Director of Planning, Research and Statistics.

The Special Adviser on Security will serve as Secretary and Technical Lead, responsible for coordination, documentation of resolutions, and implementation of recommendations.

The state government said the initiative would provide a platform for frank discussions on security concerns and help drive sustainable, locally tailored solutions to insecurity in Taraba State.

Although the statement did not specify when the inaugural meeting will hold, the government expressed optimism that the initiative will serve as a robust, inclusive, and continuous engagement mechanism for addressing security challenges in the state.