Northern Governors Demand Mining Suspension, Back State Police and a Billion-Naira Security Fund to Combat Rising Insecurity
Northern Governors Demand Mining Suspension, Back State Police and a Billion-Naira Security Fund to Combat Rising Insecurity
By Hannatu Lot
In a decisive move to address the escalating insecurity plaguing Northern Nigeria, the region’s 19 state governors and the Traditional Rulers’ Council have jointly announced a series of bold resolutions following an emergency meeting held today in Kaduna.
The leaders, convened at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, emphasized the need for collective action to combat banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and the growing threat of illegal mining.
The meeting yielded several key demands, chief among them a six-month suspension of all mining activities across the North.
In their communiqué, the leaders directly implicated illegal mining as a significant driver of the security crisis, claiming it provides funding and logistics for criminal elements. They have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to halt all mining exploration and mandate the revalidation of every mining license in close collaboration with state governors.
The leaders are determined to bring artisanal and illegal mining under control to deny criminals crucial resources.
To bolster security efforts, the governors and traditional rulers also announced the establishment of a Northern Regional Security Trust Fund.
Each of the 19 northern states, along with their respective local governments, will contribute ₦1 billion monthly, to be deducted at source, into the dedicated security fund. Details regarding the operational framework of the fund are expected to be finalized soon.
Furthermore, the joint forum reiterated its unwavering support for the creation of state police forces. The governors and traditional rulers urged northern federal and state lawmakers to expedite the necessary constitutional amendments to facilitate the establishment of state-level law enforcement.
The communiqué also acknowledged and commended President Tinubu’s efforts in combating terrorism, specifically praising the recent release of abducted school children and recognizing the sacrifices of the armed forces.
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The leaders pledged “renewed and total support” for any military action deemed necessary to eradicate terrorism and banditry, including targeting insurgent enclaves.
The meeting also served as a moment to express solidarity and condolences. The forum extended heartfelt sympathies to the governments and people of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, Borno, and Yobe states, acknowledging the devastating impact of recent killings, abductions of school children, and Boko Haram attacks.
The communiqué underscored the leaders’ conviction that “only through unity, peer review, and cooperation” can the North overcome its security challenges. They reaffirmed their commitment to their constitutional responsibilities, promising to act with “firmness and clarity” in the face of the ongoing crisis.
A follow-up joint meeting is scheduled to review the progress of these significant resolutions.
