Amid worsening insecurity across Nigeria, the 19 Northern governors and traditional rulers have called for accelerated measures to tackle rising banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, including the immediate establishment of state police.
The leaders made the demand in a six-point communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Northern States Traditional Rulers Council on Saturday in Kaduna.
Growing Insecurity Sparks Regional Alarm
The meeting came as violent attacks escalate across Northern Nigeria, with recent mass abductions in schools, frequent highway kidnappings, and deadly raids on rural communities. The governors acknowledged that existing security measures have failed to curb the crisis, necessitating urgent regional collaboration.
“The Forum commends President Bola Tinubu for his efforts but insists that more decisive action is needed to protect lives and property,” the communiqué stated.
Key Resolutions to Tackle Security Crisis
1. State Police Push – The leaders reiterated strong support for state police, urging the National Assembly to fast-track legislation for its creation.
2. Increased Funding for Security Agencies – The Forum resolved to collaborate with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to boost financial and logistical support for federal security forces.
3. Inter-State Security Coordination – A joint border surveillance system will be established to monitor criminal movements across Northern states.
4. Local Security Initiatives – Governors pledged to strengthen community-based security efforts, including vigilante groups, while ensuring proper oversight.
Traditional Rulers Back Decentralized Policing
The involvement of traditional rulers in the meeting underscored the severity of the security breakdown. Many monarchs have become targets of attacks, with some killed or abducted by armed gangs.
“We can no longer rely solely on federal forces. States must have their own policing structures to respond swiftly to threats,” said a senior traditional leader who attended the meeting.
Tinubu Under Pressure as Crisis Deepens
While the Forum praised Tinubu’s infrastructure projects in the North, the call for state police highlights growing frustration over the federal government’s inability to stem the violence. Analysts say the President faces mounting pressure to either endorse constitutional amendments for state policing or risk further erosion of public confidence.
Next Steps
The Northern governors plan to present their resolutions to the National Economic Council and engage with federal lawmakers to push for legal reforms.