By Atoyebi Adenike
The 19 Northern Governors, in collaboration with the Chairmen of the Northern States Traditional Rulers Council, have called for accelerated and coordinated efforts to tackle the region’s deepening security challenges.
The call was made in a six-point communiqué issued at the end of a crucial meeting held in Kaduna, convened by the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF).
The meeting brought together political and traditional leaders across the region, who deliberated extensively on issues of regional interest, with a strong focus on security. The leaders acknowledged the importance of non-partisan collaboration in overcoming the daunting developmental and security obstacles facing Northern communities.
In their statement, the Forum said: “The Forum commends Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his sustained commitment to addressing the security challenges and infrastructure deficits in Northern Nigeria.”
They further resolved “to liaise with the Nigerian Governors Forum to work out modalities on how to increase support to the Federal Security Agencies.”
Other key resolutions include the strengthening of local security measures unique to each state, the urgent establishment of inter-state platforms for coordinated border surveillance, and renewed support for community policing frameworks.
“The Forum also resolved to urgently set up inter-state platforms to coordinate surveillance on our joint borders,” the communiqué stated.
In a strong policy position, the Forum reiterated its support for state-controlled policing, calling on lawmakers to act swiftly: “The Forum reiterated its support for the creation of State Police and called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the enactment of the legal framework for its take-off.”
The resolutions reflect growing consensus among Northern leaders that long-standing security threats—ranging from insurgency to banditry—require proactive, locally-driven solutions, backed by federal support and legal reforms.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both political and traditional institutions in the North to promoting unity, stability, and peace across the region.
