Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council on Monday held a crucial joint meeting in Kaduna where they announced bold decisions aimed at confronting the escalating security challenges threatening the region.
The meeting, held at the Council Chamber of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, was attended by governors of the 19 northern states and chairmen of the region’s traditional councils.
The communique was signed by the NSGF Chairman, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as it underscored the region’s renewed determination to act collectively in the face of rising threats.
It ended with the issuance of a far-reaching communiqué on insecurity, illegal mining and regional stability.
In the communiqué, the Forum commended governors and traditional rulers for their unwavering commitment to unity, peace and development, noting that the region was at a defining moment that required collective resolve and coordinated action.
The Forum also extended condolences to the governments and people of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa and Kano States over recent killings and mass abductions, as well as to victims of Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe States.
It lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his prompt intervention in securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and for supporting ongoing counter-insurgency operations. The sacrifices of security personnel battling criminal elements across the North were also acknowledged.
As part of efforts to restore order, the Forum resolved to support all decisive actions taken by President Tinubu to dismantle insurgent camps and eliminate criminality across the region.
The governors and traditional rulers also reaffirmed their full support for the creation of state police, describing it as a necessary reform to strengthen community-level security.
They urged federal and state lawmakers from the North to fast-track the legislative process required to establish the system.
Rising illegal mining activities were identified as a major driver of insecurity. The Forum therefore called on President Tinubu to direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to suspend all mining exploration nationwide for six months to allow for a comprehensive audit and revalidation of licences in consultation with state governments.
To boost regional security coordination, the Forum announced the establishment of a Northern Regional Security Trust Fund. Each state and its local governments will contribute ₦1 billion monthly, deducted at source under a framework to be finalised.
The Forum said the fund would support joint operations, intelligence sharing and other strategic interventions across the region.
The meeting concluded with a resolution to reconvene at a later date to review implementation progress and assess emerging challenges.
