Northern govs, traditional rulers back state police, strengthening of regional security

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

Governors of the 19 Northern states and members of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council have reaffirmed their support for the establishment of state police and pledged stronger regional collaboration to tackle the worsening security situation across the region.

The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held yesterday at the Council Chamber of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.

The meeting, which focused exclusively on the region’s security challenges, said the current security crisis requires “urgent, coordinated and decisive action” to restore peace and stability across Northern Nigeria.

The communique signed by Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, chairman, Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising security and reaffirmed support for ongoing federal efforts to restore peace nationwide.

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

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

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

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

It also expressed confidence in the newly inaugurated Board of NNSTF.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Yayale Ahmed, and Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (retd) were inaugurated as Co-Chairmen of the Fund, alongside other board members representing the 19 northern states.

The members include former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt Gen Umar Farouk Yahaya, a nominee from Sokoto State, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa from Jigawa State and retired Air Vice Marshall Kabiru Aliyu, former Director of Sports Defence from Taraba State.

Other members are Prof Usman Tar, Borno State Commissioner for Security, Air Vice Marshall Napoleon Bali (retd), a senator from Plateau State, Major General A.M Dikko (retd), former National Coordinator of the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, from Niger State.

Nominee from Gombe State is retired AIG Sunday Babaji, AVM Farouk Omeiza Umar (retd), former Chief of Policy and Plans at the Defence Headquarters, represents Kogi State.

Major General Muhammad Sani (retd), former Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation is from Kano State, while Muhammad Mujtaba Isa is former Head of Service of Zamfara State and Alhaji Adamu Tanko Umar, from Nasarawa State, is a retired Chief Superintendent of Customs.

Nominee from Kaduna State is Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, former Head of Service and retired DIG Sani Usman Mohammed is the Chief Security Officer of Bauchi State.

Maj General Bello Sarkin Yaki (retd), former coordinator of the Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, is nominee from Kebbi State.

Boss Mustapha, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation is from Adamawa while Alhaji Falalu Bawale, Head of Civil Service represents Katsina State.

Brig General Ibrahim Bolakala Agbab (retd), former Chief of Staff, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, is from Kwara State while Maj General John Seyina Malu (retd), former Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation is from Benue. Former IGP Usman Alkali Baba is from Yobe State.

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

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

The forum urged all member states to honour their financial pledges promptly and consistently to sustain the initiative and called on traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to support the Board in delivering its mandate.

The forum resolved to tackle poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and out-of-school children, identified as major drivers of insecurity across the region. It emphasised sustained investments in education, agriculture, livelihoods, youth empowerment and skills development alongside ongoing security operations.

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

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

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

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

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