19 Northern States Approve ₦1 Billion Monthly Security Fund for Regional Security Operations

The 19 Northern States governors have agreed to create a regional Security Trust Fund, with each state and its local governments contributing ₦1 billion every month, deducted at source, to finance coordinated security operations across the region.

The fund will be pooled under a framework yet to be finalised.

In a communique issued after the meeting, the chairman of the forum, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, said: “We are putting our money where our mouth is. The money is earmarked for everything from intelligence sharing to rapid‑response units, aiming to turn the tide against banditry, kidnappings, and the resurgence of Boko Haram.”

Governor Yahaya said the trust fund will be a game‑changer and that the leaders were committed to a transparent, peer‑reviewed mechanism to ensure the money is used effectively.

Traditional rulers pledged to use their moral authority to help curb the politicisation of insecurity and support community‑level peace initiatives.

With the monthly ₦1 billion contributions set to begin as soon as the operational framework is agreed, northern leaders hope the new fund will translate the region’s collective resolve into tangible security gains. As one governor put it, “Our people want results, not just another meeting.”

They praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to secure the release of kidnapped children and reaffirmed support for his push to take the fight to insurgent enclaves.

The northern leaders urged the National Assembly to fast-track the constitutional amendment needed for the creation of state police.

They also called on the Minister of Solid Minerals to suspend new mining licences for six months and revalidate existing ones in consultation with governors in order to guard against illegal mining.