Northern Nigeria’s political and traditional leadership has issued its strongest joint position yet on the region’s worsening insecurity, announcing sweeping measures after an emergency meeting held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
The 19 Northern Governors and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council declared that only bold, united action can halt the deadly wave of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and illegal mining currently ravaging the region.
In a hard-hitting communiqué released after the “pivotal” meeting, the leaders unveiled far-reaching resolutions designed to disrupt criminal networks, strengthen security structures, and restore stability across the North.
6-Month Suspension of All Mining Activities
In the most dramatic decision, the Forum demanded the immediate suspension of all mining activities for six months. They insisted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to enforce the halt and ensure all mining licences are revalidated in consultation with state governors.
The leaders blamed illegal mining for fueling criminal operations by providing funding, weapons access, and logistical support. They warned that artisanal and illegal mining must be brought under strict control to starve criminal gangs of resources.
₦1bn Monthly Regional Security Fund
The governors also approved the creation of a Northern Regional Security Trust Fund. Under the plan, each of the 19 states , along with their local governments , will contribute ₦1 billion monthly, deducted at source, into a dedicated fund to support security operations. The framework is expected to be finalised and operational soon.
Full Backing for State Police
The communiqué reaffirmed unanimous support for the establishment of state police. Northern governors and traditional rulers called on federal and state lawmakers from the region to speed up the constitutional amendments required to legalise decentralised policing.
Support for Tinubu’s Anti-Terrorism Drive
The leaders pledged renewed support for President Tinubu’s efforts to tackle terrorism and banditry, commending the recent rescue of abducted school children and applauding the sacrifices of the Nigerian armed forces. They assured the President of their readiness to back robust military operations to dismantle insurgent hideouts.
Sympathies to Victim States
The meeting offered condolences to the governments and people of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, Borno, and Yobe states following recent killings, mass abductions, and Boko Haram attacks.
The communiqué stressed that unity, cooperation, and continuous peer review among northern leaders are essential to overcoming the region’s security challenges. A follow-up joint meeting will be convened soon to assess progress on the resolutions.
The message from the North was unmistakably clear: the era of fragmented responses is over, decisive, collective action has begun.
