By Angula Bishop Reuben | 2nd December, 2025
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) have jointly resolved on a series of sweeping measures aimed at tackling insecurity across the region, following a high-level meeting held on Monday, 1st December, 2025, at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.
The meeting, attended by the governors of all 19 northern states and the chairmen of their respective traditional councils, reviewed the worsening security situation and other issues of regional concern. In a communiqué issued at the end of deliberations, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to unity, stability and development, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between political and traditional institutions.
The Forum extended condolences to states recently affected by killings and abductions, including Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa and Kano. It also commiserated with communities in Borno and Yobe affected by renewed Boko Haram attacks.
The governors and royal fathers commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what they described as decisive interventions in the release of abducted schoolchildren and other security operations. They also praised military personnel battling insurgency across the country, pledging renewed support for federal efforts “to take the fight to the enclaves of insurgents.”
In a significant policy endorsement, the Forum reaffirmed its “wholehearted support” for the establishment of state police, urging lawmakers at both national and state levels to accelerate the legislative process.
On illegal mining which they identified as a major driver of insecurity, the Forum said it would recommend that the President direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to suspend exploration activities for six months to allow a comprehensive audit. Mining licences, they said, should be revalidated during this period in consultation with the governors.
To strengthen regional security financing, the Forum announced plans to establish a Security Trust Fund to be financed through monthly contributions of ₦1 billion from each state and its local governments, deducted at source under an agreed framework.
The Forum said it would reconvene at a later date to be announced.
His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, the Executive Benue State and his team were among those in attendance.
