Northern governors and traditional rulers have approved a sweeping regional security overhaul, endorsing the creation of state police, imposing a six-month suspension on all mining activities, and establishing a N1 billion monthly Northern Regional Security Trust Fund to confront escalating banditry, mass abductions and illegal mining across the North.
The decisions were reached at an emergency joint meeting of the 19 Northern governors and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held yesterday at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
Describing illegal mining as a major lifeline for criminal networks, the leaders ordered an immediate six-month suspension of mining activities across the region. They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to instruct the Minister of Solid Minerals to stop all exploration, revalidate existing licences, and work closely with state governments to curb illicit operations.
To finance coordinated operations and intelligence sharing, the Forum approved a Northern Regional Security Trust Fund. States and their local governments will contribute N1 billion monthly, deducted at source. A detailed operational framework for the fund will be finalised soon.
Reiterating long-standing demands, the governors and traditional rulers declared full support for the establishment of state police. They called on federal and state lawmakers from the region to expedite the constitutional amendment process required to actualise the proposal.
They also praised recent federal counter-terrorism successes—especially the rescue of abducted schoolchildren—and pledged continued support for military operations across the region.
Condolences were extended to states recently hit by deadly attacks, including Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, Borno and Yobe. The leaders stressed the need for unity, coordinated action and a strong peer-review mechanism to arrest the region’s worsening security crisis. A follow-up meeting will assess progress on the resolutions.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has denied reports that it backs granting amnesty or financial benefits to bandits, describing trending social media videos as “mischievous and distorted”.
ACF spokesperson, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the clip misrepresented remarks made by ACF Board of Trustees Chairman, Bashir Dalhatu, on Arise News. Dalhatu’s reference to the Niger Delta amnesty, he said, was merely an illustration of mixed kinetic and non-kinetic strategies—not an endorsement of concessions to terrorists.
The Forum insisted it has never supported amnesty and remains committed to eliminating banditry and terrorism.
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has disclosed that the United States, France and the United Kingdom are providing technical support to Nigeria in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
During a visit to parents of abducted pupils of St Mary’s Catholic School in Kotangora, Niger State, Ribadu conveyed President Tinubu’s directive that “everything necessary” must be done to rescue the children.
“This evil will not prevail,” he assured. “Your children will come back safely.”
At the ICC Assembly of States Parties in The Hague, Attorney General Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) urged member states to respect national sovereignty and constitutional boundaries in their engagements.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity, highlighting recent reforms, including the deradicalisation of over 6,000 former combatants.
Security analyst and retired military officer, Siyaka Nasiru, has cautioned against proposals for civilians to carry firearms, arguing that it would aggravate insecurity.
Speaking on Adamimogo 105.1 FM, Ibadan, Nasiru said intelligence gathering, vigilance and stronger security cooperation—not widespread gun ownership—remain the most effective tools for combating violent crime. He dismissed calls for civilian self-arming as emotional responses to recent mass abductions.
Northern Leaders Approve State Police, Mining Halt, Security Fund
