The Northern States Governors’ Forum has inaugurated the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund Board of Trustees, with the 19 northern states pledging ₦1bn monthly contributions to strengthen the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the region.
The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday in Kaduna during a meeting of the forum, as northern governors moved to create a regional security financing structure to complement the efforts of federal security agencies.
The launch comes amid worsening insecurity across parts of Northern Nigeria, where banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities have disrupted livelihoods, displaced communities and affected economic activities, including farming and investment.
Chairman of the forum and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the security crisis required urgent, coordinated and decisive action from all stakeholders.
«“Across the North, in every state, the threats posed by banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, drug abuse and other forms of criminality have continued to undermine peaceful coexistence, disrupt livelihoods and weaken social cohesion, thereby slowing down the pace of development in our great region.”»
Yahaya said while national security remained the responsibility of the Federal Government, northern states had resolved to support existing efforts through stronger regional cooperation and resource mobilisation.
«“It was in furtherance of this commitment that the Forum resolved to establish the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund.”»
He explained that the fund would support intelligence sharing, security coordination and operational activities of security agencies to improve the protection of lives and property.
The governor said the board members were selected based on their integrity, patriotism and professional experience, urging them to ensure the initiative delivered practical results.
«“The Trust Fund is not intended to become another layer of bureaucracy. It must not be allowed to become an administrative structure that merely holds meetings. Rather, it must function as a focused, responsive and credible platform for resource mobilisation, strategic support and coordination.”»
Yahaya reminded his colleagues of their earlier agreement that each northern state, alongside local governments, would contribute ₦1bn monthly for 12 months to sustain the initiative.
He warned that insecurity was weakening communities, disrupting agriculture, discouraging investment and threatening the future of the region, stressing that security operations alone could not solve the crisis without addressing poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and the rising number of out-of-school children.
«“Security operations are necessary, but they must be reinforced by investment in education, livelihoods, agriculture, youth empowerment and skills development.”»
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described the establishment of state police as an urgent measure needed to address security challenges, arguing that the current policing structure was inadequate for Nigeria’s size.
«“The establishment of State Police in Nigeria is not only a necessity but an urgent and strategic imperative.”»
Sani commended President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for advancing discussions on state police, saying it would strengthen efforts against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, endorsed the security trust fund, describing it as a long-overdue response to insecurity.
The monarch pledged the support of traditional rulers and urged governors to provide adequate resources to ensure the success of the initiative.
«“We assure you of our total support. Reach out to us at any time. We know our people, we know our communities, and we are ready to work hand in hand with you and the governors to make life easier and more peaceful for everyone.”»
The Sultan also called for increased investment in education, warning against stigmatising out-of-school children and urging governors to prioritise learning as a solution to insecurity.
The meeting was attended by governors and deputy governors from the 19 northern states, security chiefs and traditional rulers, including the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi.
