02/12/2025
Northern Govs, Traditional Rulers Back State Police, Demand Mining Halt in Landmark Security Move
By Kehinde Adegoke
Kaduna: In a dramatic move that could reshape Nigeria's security architecture, Northern governors and traditional rulers have thrown their full weight behind the establishment of state police, declaring it a necessary step to confront the escalating wave of insecurity across the region.
At a high-level meeting in Kaduna's Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the Northern States Governors' Forum (NSGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers' Council jointly urged President Bola Tinubu to order a six-month suspension of mining activities, warning that illegal and unregulated operations are fueling violence, banditry, and instability.
Officials described the deliberations as "exhaustive and crucial," underscoring the gravity of the decisions reached.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, Forum Chairman Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to unity, stability, and collective development, stressing that regional cooperation is vital to defeating emerging threats.
The forum expressed deep condolences to states recently hit by killings and abductions, including Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Kano, as well as victims of Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe.
They commended President Tinubu for the swift rescue of abducted schoolchildren and praised the sacrifices of security personnel engaged in counter-insurgency operations nationwide.
Among its most consequential resolutions, the forum:
Backed State Police: Urged lawmakers to fast-track legislation enabling its creation, calling it a "critical reform" for Nigeria's survival.
Targeted Mining: Recommended a six-month suspension of mining to allow for a comprehensive audit and revalidation of licences in consultation with state governments.
Created Security Fund: Approved a Regional Security Trust Fund, with each state and local government contributing ₦1 billion monthly, deducted at source, to strengthen operations across the North.
The leaders pledged renewed support for intensified military campaigns against insurgents and criminal networks, framing their decisions as a turning point in Nigeria's fight against insecurity.
The forum will reconvene at a later date to review progress and chart the next steps.
