Kaduna, Nigeria – Governors from Nigeria’s 19 Northern states have reaffirmed their support for the implementation of state policing as a key measure to tackle rising insecurity across the region. Meeting with traditional leaders in Kaduna on Monday, the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) emphasized that coordinated local action is critical to protect citizens and restore stability.
Chairman of the NGF and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and international partners for efforts to combat banditry and terrorism. He stressed that attacks on schools and farms are direct assaults on the future of Northern Nigeria and called for unity, urging citizens to resist divisive narratives along ethnic and religious lines.
“Education is the bedrock of our children’s future. We must ensure safe schools and secure livelihoods for all citizens,” Yahaya said. He highlighted the importance of addressing root causes of insecurity, including underdevelopment, illiteracy, limited opportunities, and environmental challenges.
Yahaya also urged investment in infrastructure, transport, energy, and human capital, while emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility among political leaders, traditional and religious authorities, security agencies, and the general public.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, supported the creation of state police to strengthen local security, while the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Said III, called for serious collaboration between northern governors and traditional leaders to confront persistent threats.
The forum stressed that achieving lasting peace and development requires a multi-faceted approach, combining law enforcement, community engagement, and social and economic interventions to ensure a secure and prosperous Northern Nigeria.
Northern Governors Call for State Policing, Emphasize Collective Action Against Insecurity
