The Gombe State Security Council has resolved to regulate the waste recycling business across the state following concerns that the unregulated trade is aiding crime, particularly vehicle theft.

The State Commissioner for Justice, Zubair Umar, announced the decision while briefing journalists after an expanded security council meeting chaired by Governor Inuwa Yahaya. The meeting included members of the State Executive Council, emirs, chiefs, security chiefs and local council chairmen.

Umar said the move became necessary after revelations that criminals dismantle stolen vehicles, disguise the parts as waste and sell them to recyclers, who then convey the items out of the state in trucks, often at night.

“The unregulated recycling trade has enabled theft, with stolen goods sold as scrap. We will ensure no truck exports waste at night, and dismantling stolen cars for recyclers will be addressed,” he said.

He added that the council also reviewed other security concerns, including herders-farmers clashes, drug abuse and recent attacks on security personnel.

The commissioner said the council condemned the recent violence in Funakaye Local Council, where a clash between herders and farmers led to the death of two people. He added that two traditional rulers, a village head and a district head, had been suspended for failing to act to prevent the crisis.

In his remarks, the Emir of Kaltungo, Saleh Mohammed, popularly known as Mai Kaltungo, commended the government for convening the meeting, describing it as timely and crucial. He assured that traditional rulers would continue to promote peace in their communities and praised security agencies for their efforts.