19 Northern Governors unveil security trust fund, appoint Agwai, Yayale Ahmed

Governors launch regional security fund

Against the backdrop of persistent banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Northern Nigeria, the Northern States Governors' Forum, NSGF, on Wednesday launched the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, a regional initiative aimed at strengthening security coordination, mobilising resources and supporting federal security agencies in tackling insecurity across the 19 Northern states.

The development comes amid growing calls for fresh security strategies as repeated attacks on communities, displacement of residents and threats to farming and economic activities continue to expose the limitations of existing security arrangements.

Speaking during the inauguration in Kaduna, Chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the establishment of the Trust Fund was in fulfilment of resolutions reached by the governors during their meetings in Kaduna on December 2, 2025, and Abuja on March 30, 2026.

According to him, the worsening security situation across the region made a coordinated regional response inevitable.

Board of Trustees inaugurated

The governors also inaugurated the Board of Trustees of the Trust Fund, appointing former Chief of Defence Staff, retired General Martin Luther Agwai, and former Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, as co-chairmen.

Other members of the board include former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Umar Farouk Yahaya (retd); retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa (Jigawa); retired Air Vice Marshal Kabiru Aliyu (Taraba); Prof. Usman Tar, Borno State Commissioner for Security; Air Vice Marshal Napoleon Bali (retd), Senator representing Plateau; retired Major-General A.M. Dikko of Niger State; retired AIG Sunday Babaji (Gombe); AVM Farouk Omeiza Umar (retd) of Kogi; retired Major-General Muhammad Sani (Kano); Muhammad Mujtaba Isa (Zamfara); Alhaji Adamu Tanko Umar (Nasarawa); Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha (Kaduna); retired DIG Sani Usman Mohammed (Bauchi); retired Major-General Bello Sarkin Yaki (Kebbi); former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha (Adamawa); Alhaji Falalu Bawale (Katsina); retired Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Bolakala Agbab (Kwara); retired Major-General John Seyina Malu (Benue); and former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba (Yobe).

Yahaya described the inauguration of the Board of Trustees as the first concrete step towards implementing the governors' commitment to regional security and said the initiative must produce practical results.

While the Federal Government bears primary responsibility for national security, the complementary efforts of the 19 Northern States are needed to support federal security efforts, facilitate intelligence sharing, foster community resilience and establish a lasting framework for regional security and prosperity.

— Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Chairman, Northern States Governors' Forum

Focus on coordination and measurable outcomes

Yahaya said the Trust Fund was designed to mobilise resources, strengthen intelligence collaboration, improve security coordination and complement the efforts of federal security agencies in protecting lives and property.

He cautioned that the fund should not become an administrative burden without impact, saying citizens were looking for protection and stability rather than another institution.

The Security Trust Fund must not become another layer of bureaucracy but should function as a responsive platform focused on practical interventions and measurable results.

— Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Chairman, Northern States Governors' Forum

He also urged members of the board, drawn from across the 19 Northern states, to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, fairness, transparency and accountability.

Our people are not looking for another institution; they are looking for action, protection, stability and hope. The success of this Fund will be measured by the extent to which it improves security coordination, intelligence sharing, rapid response and the overall protection of lives and property.

— Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Chairman, Northern States Governors' Forum

Kaduna governor backs state police

Also speaking, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had demonstrated commitment to the development of Northern Nigeria through investments in transportation, agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, infrastructure and national security.

He said the region appreciated the Federal Government's support and remained committed to working with the Tinubu administration to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.

The Kaduna governor also renewed his call for the establishment of state police, describing it as "an urgent and strategic imperative" in addressing Nigeria's growing security challenges.

According to him, the current strength of the police and military is inadequate to effectively secure Nigeria's vast territory, stressing that state police would serve as a force multiplier against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

Wider security concerns in the region

Sani commended President Tinubu for supporting the state police initiative and praised the National Assembly for advancing work on the proposed legislation.

He expressed optimism that the harmonisation process by the conference committee of both chambers would soon be concluded, noting that the establishment of state police would significantly strengthen internal security and improve public safety nationwide.

Security analysts have repeatedly argued that the scale and complexity of insecurity in Northern Nigeria require stronger collaboration among states, improved intelligence sharing, sustained funding and greater community participation.

The launch of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund reflects growing recognition by the region's governors that confronting evolving security threats will require institutional support beyond conventional security operations, while complementing ongoing efforts by federal security agencies.