Northern governors, traditional rulers back state police

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Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State

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Northern governors and traditional rulers have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling insecurity through stronger regional collaboration and support for federal security efforts.

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The resolution followed their joint meeting on Wednesday at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, where they reviewed the region’s worsening security situation.

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The communique was signed by Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

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The meeting focused on practical and sustainable measures to address insecurity after consultations with key security stakeholders across Northern Nigeria.

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The forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising security and reaffirmed support for ongoing federal efforts to restore peace nationwide.

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It pledged to strengthen intelligence sharing, build community resilience and develop a lasting framework for regional security and economic prosperity.

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The forum stressed that Northern Nigeria’s security crisis requires urgent, coordinated and decisive actions to reverse growing threats across the region.

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It welcomed progress toward establishing state police and praised the president and National Assembly for advancing the required constitutional amendments.

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The forum expressed confidence that well-trained, equipped and supported state police would significantly improve efforts to combat insecurity nationwide.

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It also expressed confidence in the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund.

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The forum urged the trustees to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, fairness, independence and accountability in advancing the fund’s objectives.

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Members commended states redeeming commitments to contribute N1 billion monthly to the Security Trust Fund to strengthen regional security operations.

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The forum urged all member states to honour their financial pledges promptly and consistently to sustain the initiative.

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It also called on traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to support the board in delivering its mandate.

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The forum resolved to tackle poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and out-of-school children, identified as major drivers of insecurity across the region.

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It emphasised sustained investments in education, agriculture, livelihoods, youth empowerment and skills development alongside ongoing security operations.

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The forum urged governments and security agencies to protect farmers during the rainy season against insecurity and communal conflicts.

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It also pledged closer collaboration with traditional institutions, local governments and community leaders to promote peaceful coexistence and modernise agriculture.

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The forum further agreed to extend regional collaboration to education, agriculture and healthcare through a unified development framework.

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It said the framework would promote innovation, resource sharing and coordinated interventions to achieve lasting development across Northern Nigeria.

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The meeting adjourned with members agreeing to reconvene on a date to be communicated later. (NAN)

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