By Segun Adewale in Gombe
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, in a joint session with the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, has approved the creation of a Regional Security Trust Fund designed to provide sustained financing for security operations across the North.
At the meeting held on Monday, 1 December, 2025, at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, the Forum resolved that each of the 19 Northern States will contribute N1 billion monthly, to be deducted at source under a framework to be finalized by all stakeholders.
The decision is one of the boldest collective actions taken by Northern leaders to decisively confront the deepening security challenges affecting the region.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, stated that the Trust Fund will strengthen security agencies, enhance intelligence gathering, support technology-driven policing, and improve rapid response capacity across frontline communities.
The Forum expressed its deepest condolences to the governments and people of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Kano States over recent killings and mass abductions, and to the victims of renewed Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe States.
The Governors also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the swift actions taken to secure the release of some abducted schoolchildren and for ongoing counterinsurgency efforts across the country.
Reaffirming their longstanding position, the Governors reiterated their full support for the establishment of State Police, urging federal and state legislators from the region to expedite all processes required for its actualisation.
The Forum also raised concern over the rising role of illegal mining in fuelling insecurity and resolved to recommend to President Tinubu that the Minister of Solid Minerals suspends all mining exploration for six months. This will allow for a comprehensive audit and revalidation of mining licences in close collaboration with state governments.
The Northern Governors and Traditional Rulers acknowledged the importance of unity, cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing the region’s complex challenges.
They pledged to continue working closely with security agencies, royal institutions and communities to restore peace and stability.
