The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has called for an immediate overhaul of Nigeria’s security strategies and the swift creation of state police to combat growing insecurity across the region.
Rising from a high-level meeting with the Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC) in Kaduna, the 19 northern governors expressed deep concern over the resurgence of Boko Haram in the North-east, rampant banditry in the North-west and North-central, and the general escalation of violent crimes nationwide.
The forum, chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, issued a communiqué urging the National Assembly to fast-track legislation enabling the establishment of state police. The governors praised President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing efforts to address the country’s security challenges but acknowledged the need for urgent recalibration of current strategies.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State sought to allay fears about potential abuse of state police by governors, assuring that the legal framework under consideration will limit its use strictly to combating crime and insecurity—not political suppression.
Key resolutions from the meeting include:
• Collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to strengthen federal security support.
• Reinforcement of local security initiatives tailored to each state’s peculiar challenges.
• Creation of interstate platforms to coordinate border surveillance.
• Full support for the creation of state police, with a call for expedited legislative action.
Governor Yahaya also extended condolences to the people and governments of Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, and Yobe states over recent violent attacks, describing them as a tragic reminder of the urgent need for decisive action.
“The forum reaffirms its commitment to protecting lives and ensuring peace in the region. These acts of terror and banditry demand immediate and coordinated responses at all levels,” he said.
The next meeting of the NSGF is scheduled for August 30, 2025.
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