Police boost security in Yola for Shettima’s condolence visit

The Adamawa State Police Command has intensified security across Yola and other key locations in the state ahead of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s planned condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

In a statement released on Thursday, the command’s spokesman, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said the measures were ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Hassan, to guarantee a hitch-free official visit. Heavily armed anti-riot personnel, armoured vehicles and specialised units have been deployed to strategic points in the state capital.

The command mobilised assets from the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, intelligence sections, traffic units and divisional formations. Traffic diversions and stop-and-search operations will be enforced in and around Yola.

Nguroje quoted the commissioner as advising residents to cooperate fully with security personnel and remain law-abiding. He issued a stern warning to miscreants and anyone with criminal intent to stay clear of venues linked to the visit, stressing that the command would respond decisively to any attempt to breach the peace or disrupt the programme.

The public was also urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious movements or persons promptly to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines. CP Hassan reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting lives and property throughout the state.

The visit comes days after the burial of Bamanga Tukur, a former governor of the old Gongola State, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Minister of Industries and prominent businessman. Tukur died on 12 September 2026 in Abuja at the age of 90, just three days short of his 91st birthday. His remains were flown to Yola the same day, received by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and family members, including his son Awwal Tukur, the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government. He was buried the following day according to Islamic rites at the family compound in Fadde-Sanda, along Abuja Road, Yola, after funeral prayers at the Lamido’s Palace.

Vice President Shettima had earlier described Tukur’s death as a monumental loss to Nigeria and the African continent, hailing him as a true patriot, mentor, institution-builder and global citizen who contributed significantly as a technocrat in maritime infrastructure, a statesman and a pan-African business leader.

Tributes also poured in from President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Fintiri, business leaders including Aliko Dangote, and political figures across party lines. The state observed a period of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast.

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The police deployment reflects standard high-level security protocols for the presence of the Vice President, building on earlier arrangements used for other high-profile visits to the state.

Residents are expected to experience temporary traffic adjustments but are encouraged to go about their normal activities while cooperating with officers on the ground.