GOMBE, Nigeria – The Gombe State government has officially confirmed the death of its Commissioner for Internal Security and Ethical Orientation, retired Colonel Abdullahi Bello, who perished in a fatal motor accident on Friday, October 24, 2025. The incident also claimed the life of his police orderly, Sergeant Adamu Husaini, in a devastating crash that has sent shockwaves across the state and beyond.
The accident occurred along the Malam Sidi–Gombe road as the commissioner was returning from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, where he had attended the North East Regional Consultation on the Development of a National Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) framework. The high-level meeting brought together security stakeholders, government officials, and experts to deliberate on strategies for addressing post-conflict rehabilitation and the reintegration of former combatants into society—a critical issue in Nigeria’s North East region, which has grappled with the aftermath of Boko Haram insurgency for over a decade.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya broke the news in a somber statement issued through Ismaila Uba-Misilli, the Director-General of Press Affairs at the Gombe Government House. Describing the incident as “heartbreaking,” the governor paid glowing tribute to the late commissioner, emphasizing his exemplary service and contributions to the state’s security architecture.
“Colonel Abdullahi Bello was a disciplined officer and dedicated public servant whose commitment to duty was unparalleled,” Governor Yahaya stated. “He brought his wealth of military experience, leadership, and patriotism into the service of Gombe State, playing a vital role in consolidating the peace and security for which the state is renowned.”
The governor further eulogized Bello as “a pillar of discipline, courage, and selfless service,” noting that the late commissioner executed his responsibilities “with unmatched diligence and a deep sense of responsibility.” He highlighted Bello’s instrumental role in fostering collaboration between security agencies, community leaders, and civil society organizations to maintain Gombe’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states amid regional volatility.
“His demise is a monumental loss not only to his family and our government but to Gombe State and Nigeria at large,” Yahaya added, expressing profound grief on behalf of the government and people of the state.
Details of the accident remain under investigation by relevant authorities, including the Gombe State Police Command and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Preliminary reports suggest the vehicle in which the commissioner and his orderly were traveling collided with another vehicle under circumstances yet to be fully disclosed. The Malam Sidi–Gombe road, a major route linking several northern states, has been flagged in the past for safety concerns due to heavy traffic, poor road conditions in some sections, and occasional banditry risks.
Colonel Abdullahi Bello’s death marks a significant blow to Gombe State’s security framework. A retired military officer with decades of service in the Nigerian Army, Bello was appointed Commissioner for Internal Security in 2023 by Governor Yahaya. His tenure was marked by strategic initiatives aimed at curbing rural banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and urban crime. Under his leadership, the state recorded a notable decline in security incidents, with enhanced community policing and intelligence-sharing mechanisms credited for sustaining relative calm.
The late commissioner’s participation in the Maiduguri DDR consultation underscored his broader influence on national security policy. The framework under discussion seeks to establish a coordinated approach to rehabilitating surrendered insurgents and addressing the root causes of extremism in the North East. Bello’s insights, drawn from both military and civilian governance experience, were highly valued in such forums.
Sergeant Adamu Husaini, the police orderly who died alongside the commissioner, was a dedicated member of the Nigeria Police Force assigned to provide close protection. His death adds to the growing toll of security personnel lost in the line of duty, highlighting the risks faced by those safeguarding public officials.
Governor Yahaya has directed that flags be flown at half-mast across all government buildings in the state as a mark of respect. He also announced the formation of a high-powered committee to coordinate funeral arrangements and support the bereaved families. The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, will work with the military and police authorities to ensure a befitting burial for both men.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across Nigeria. The Nigerian Army, through its spokesman, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, described Colonel Bello as “a gallant officer whose legacy of service will endure.” The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Governors’ Forum also issued statements mourning the loss and commending Bello’s contributions to regional stability.
As Gombe State comes to terms with this tragedy, the government has appealed for calm and urged citizens to support ongoing investigations into the accident. The incident has reignited calls for improved road safety measures and infrastructure upgrades along critical inter-state highways.
The late commissioner is survived by his wife, children, and extended family. Funeral arrangements will be announced following consultations with the bereaved families and traditional authorities. Gombe State, known for its ethnic diversity and communal harmony, now faces the challenge of filling the void left by one of its most dedicated public servants.
