By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Northern States Governors’ Forum has restated its strong support for the creation of state police, insisting it is a necessary step to contain the worsening security situation across the region.
The position was announced on Monday in Kaduna during a joint meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, chaired by Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya.
Representing 19 states, the governors also extended condolences to the governments and people of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Kano following recent attacks, abductions of schoolchildren, and other violent incidents affecting innocent citizens.
The Forum urged federal and state legislators to fast-track the legislative process required for the establishment of state police.
In a major move to strengthen regional security financing, the Forum approved the creation of a Regional Security Trust Fund, to be supported by a monthly contribution of ₦1 billion from each state and local government.
To curb violence linked to illegal mining activities, the governors recommended a six-month suspension of mining operations across the region.
The Forum also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing efforts toward securing the release of abducted children and intensifying the fight against insurgency and banditry.
The renewed push underscores the urgency of addressing persistent security threats, including insurgent attacks, banditry, and kidnappings.
The governors stressed that only coordinated action and sustained collaboration can restore stability in the North.
