Northern Governors Launch Security Trust Fund, Back State Police, Pledge ₦1bn Monthly to Fight Insecurity 

By Victor Idajili

Northern governors on Wednesday took decisive steps to tackle worsening insecurity in the region by launching the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, endorsing State Police, and committing ₦1 billion every month from each state to fund regional security efforts.

The resolutions were reached at a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna. Governors and traditional rulers agreed that only coordinated and urgent action can reverse the region’s security decline.

In attendance were Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Caleb Muftwang of Plateau, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, and Nasir Idris of Kebbi. Other states were represented by their deputy governors.

 
The meeting also inaugurated the Board of Trustees for the Security Trust Fund.  
Co-Chairmen are Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, former Minister of Defence, and Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), former Chief of Defence Staff.

Other members include former service chiefs, retired police and military officers, and public figures such as Lt.-Gen. Umar Farouk Yahaya (rtd), DIG Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa (rtd), AVM Kabiru Aliyu (rtd), Sen. Napoleon Bali (rtd), Boss Mustapha, former SGF, and IGP Usman Alkali Baba (rtd).

NSGF Chairman and Gombe Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the Fund followed resolutions from the governors’ meetings of December 2, 2025 and March 30, 2026.

He noted that while the Federal Government has primary responsibility for security, the 19 Northern states must complement federal efforts through intelligence sharing, community resilience, and targeted interventions.

“The Trust Fund is designed to mobilise resources, support security coordination, strengthen intelligence collaboration, and complement federal security agencies,” Yahaya said.

He stressed that the Fund must not become “another bureaucracy” but must deliver real results against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
“The success of this Fund will be measured by real improvements in security coordination, intelligence sharing, rapid response and the protection of lives and property,” he added.

 
In a communiqué, the governors thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to tackling insecurity and pledged continued support for federal initiatives.

They also welcomed progress toward State Police, commending the President and National Assembly for starting the constitutional process. The governors said with proper training, equipment and institutional backing, State Police would be critical to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani described State Police as “an urgent national necessity.” He argued that Nigeria’s vast landmass, growing criminal networks, and limited security personnel make state-level policing indispensable.  
He commended Tinubu and the National Assembly for advancing the State Police Bill and expressed optimism that harmonisation would be completed soon.

  
The governors commended member states for redeeming their pledge to contribute ₦1 billion monthly to the Trust Fund, calling it a sign of collective leadership. They urged all Northern states to sustain the payments and called on traditional rulers, civil society, the media and citizens to support the Board.

  
The Forum identified poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and the high number of out-of-school children as key drivers of crime. They agreed that while security operations are necessary, they must be matched with investments in education, agriculture, youth empowerment, jobs and skills.

With the rainy season underway, they urged governments and security agencies to protect farmers and rural communities from attacks and communal clashes.

They also resolved to work with traditional institutions, local governments and community leaders to prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

  
Beyond security, the governors agreed to deepen collaboration in education, healthcare and agriculture through a unified framework to pool resources and deliver measurable results.

In his welcome address, Governor Uba Sani said President Tinubu has made significant investments in Northern Nigeria in transportation, agriculture, health, education, energy and security. “The North appreciates the President’s support and remains committed to building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

The Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, assured full backing for the Trust Fund.  
He described the Board’s inauguration as a move “from talk to action” and said traditional institutions will provide local intelligence and community support.  
“Security is the collective responsibility of government, traditional rulers, community leaders and every citizen,” the Sultan said.