The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC) convened a critical two-day security summit in Kaduna, where leaders unequivocally declared state police as a pivotal and effective mechanism to tackle the pervasive security challenges plaguing Northern Nigeria. Chaired by Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and hosted by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, the meeting brought together governors of the 19 northern states and traditional rulers, emphasizing a unified approach to the region's multifaceted crises.

Governor Yahaya, who also chairs the NSGF, meticulously identified a spectrum of underlying issues driving the security crisis. These systemic problems include deep-seated underdevelopment, widespread illiteracy, a glaring lack of opportunities for the populace, the adverse effects of climate change, and inefficient resource management. He underscored the imperative of taking decisive and coordinated actions, particularly highlighting the urgent need to ensure every child is in school. Yahaya issued a stern warning about the potential repercussions of having millions of Almajiri and out-of-school children across the North, asserting that “education is the bedrock of our children’s future; an attack on education is a direct assault on our future.” He urgently called upon the National Assembly to expedite the constitutional amendments necessary to actualize state police.

The leaders collectively reaffirmed their strong support for the rapid establishment of state police, insisting that decentralizing the nation’s policing system is now essential to effectively combating the worsening insecurity across the region. They argued that Nigeria’s centralized police architecture is no longer adequate for a population estimated to exceed 237 million people by 2025, especially given the vast ungoverned territories susceptible to criminal activities. Governor Sani further elaborated on the system's structural limitations, pointing to a severe shortage of law enforcement personnel. With approximately 371,800 officers nationwide, the police-to-citizen ratio falls significantly below the UN standard of 1:400, leaving numerous rural communities vulnerable and without meaningful protection. Governor Sani also addressed critics, clarifying that Northern governors are actively working to address threats, refuting any impressions of complacency. Governor Yahaya reinforced this by stating that security challenges affect all residents irrespective of background.

The summit extended its deepest condolences and solidarity to the governments and people of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Kano, Niger, Sokoto, and Jigawa states following recent abductions of schoolchildren and other innocent citizens. Condolences were also extended to victims of fresh Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe states. The forum commended President Bola Tinubu for his “strong leadership and steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” acknowledging his efforts in securing the prompt release of some abducted children and urging sustained efforts until all remaining captives regain freedom.

In a fervent call for unity, Governor Yahaya warned against partisan bickering, urging leaders to prevent enemies from sowing seeds of discord and distrust among them. He emphasized the necessity of rejecting divisive narratives and working in concert for the very survival of the North and Nigeria at large. Traditional and religious leaders were encouraged to leverage their moral authority to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance within their communities. Furthermore, security agencies were called upon to maintain “proactive vigilance” and respond swiftly to threats, while the judiciary was urged to ensure the rapid administration of criminal justice.

A significant resolution emerging from the meeting was the decision to establish a regional Security Trust Fund. This fund is designed to effectively confront the security crises in the North and will be sustained by a monthly contribution of One Billion Naira from each state and its local governments, to be deducted at source under an agreed framework. The forum also observed that illegal mining has become a major contributing factor to the security crises. Consequently, they resolved to strongly recommend that President Tinubu direct the Honorable Minister of Solid Minerals to suspend mining exploration for six months to allow for a proper audit. Additionally, all mining licenses are to be subjected to revalidation for six months, in active consultation with the various state governors, to arrest the menace of artisanal illegal mining.

The Northern leaders reaffirmed their collective resolve to confront these multifaceted challenges with firmness and clarity, committing to intensified collaboration and deeper community-level engagements. They urged the Federal Government to fast-track the process of establishing State Police nationwide, asserting that the North requires a more adaptive, locally responsive policing model to achieve lasting peace and bequeath a truly secure home to future generations.