Taraba governor vows to strengthen border security along Cameroon boundary, inter-state routes

Taraba state governor, Agbu Kefas, Wednesday vowed to further strengthen border security, particularly along the Cameroon boundary and inter-state routes.

Kefas in a communique issued at the end of an enlarged security meeting held in Jalingo hinted that security shall be strengthened through improved patrols, intelligence sharing and greater cooperation with border communities.

The communique stated that security coordination shall be further strengthened at the local government, ward and community levels through functional early-warning and rapid-response structures.

The communique added that a comprehensive LGA-by-LGA profiling and documentation of recognised traditional, community, religious, professional, youth, women and social organisations shall commence immediately to improve communication, accountability and security coordination.

The communique added that each local government area shall identify and map land and boundary disputes, mining sites and corridors, forests, grazing routes, criminal routes, border crossings and other vulnerable locations.

“All land and boundary disputes shall be documented and subjected to early mediation to prevent escalation into violence. Mining activities shall be subjected to stricter verification, documentation and security monitoring.

“Legitimate operators shall be protected, while illegal mining and unlawful mineral evacuation shall be decisively addressed and a mobile task-force shall be constituted in due course to ensure compliance,” the communique stated.