Northern governors and traditional rulers have agreed on sweeping new security measures, including a proposed six-month suspension of mining activities and a massive regional funding plan to combat banditry and kidnappings.
According to a communiqué issued after their joint meeting in Kaduna, the leaders said illegal mining has become a major driver of violence, supplying armed groups with resources and fueling instability. They urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to halt mining operations temporarily while a full audit and licence review is conducted.
To strengthen the fight against insecurity, the 19 northern states approved the creation of a Regional Security Trust Fund. Each state and its local governments will contribute ₦1bn monthly, deducted at source, amounting to ₦228bn annually. The fund will support joint military operations, intelligence activities, equipment and coordinated responses.
The meeting, chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, also marked a strong endorsement for the establishment of state police. The leaders said decentralised policing is now unavoidable given the rising attacks across the region.
Recent school abductions—including the kidnapping of hundreds of students in Kebbi and Niger States—have left several communities traumatised and forced widespread school closures. The Federal Government has also shut down 41 Unity Schools nationwide.
President Tinubu, in response, declared a national security emergency last week and directed immediate recruitment into the army, police and intelligence agencies.
During the Kaduna meeting, the leaders emphasised the need for unity, stronger intelligence networks, and investment in infrastructure to secure the region's future. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged governors to remain resolute, stressing that the traditional institution is fully committed to supporting efforts to restore peace.
NSA Visits Abducted Students’ School
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, where over 265 students and teachers were recently abducted. He assured parents that the children were safe and would return soon. Ribadu noted that international partners—including the US, UK and France—were assisting in rescue efforts.
FCT Police Foil Planned Kidnap Attack
In Abuja, police arrested a wanted kidnap suspect, Sani Mohammed Umar (alias Boko), after intelligence revealed plans for another attack on December 1. A gun duel followed, leaving three bandits dead while others fled. Recovered items included AK-47 rifles and ammunition. Security agencies have intensified forest patrols and blocked escape routes.
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States Strengthen Local Security Measures
Ekiti urged residents to remain calm, assuring that borders with Kogi and Kwara have been reinforced.
Ondo commissioned a new Command and Control Centre for Amotekun and announced more recruitment and improved logistics.
Enugu deployed long-range surveillance drones, patrol vehicles and protective gear to tackle rising kidnapping cases.
Kebbi boosted security at the NYSC orientation camp in Jega, with police reviewing early-warning and rapid response strategies.
Across the northern region and beyond, governments are taking more aggressive steps to confront the growing wave of insecurity, signaling a new phase in Nigeria’s security response.
