The 19 Northern Governors and members of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council have released a powerful communiqué following an emergency joint meeting held today at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna. The leaders warned that only collective action, unity, and decisive measures can halt the escalating insecurity tearing through the region.
Described as a “pivotal meeting,” the closed-door session produced far-reaching resolutions aimed at confronting banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and the rising chaos linked to illegal mining.
Key Resolutions from the Communiqué
🔹 Six-Month Suspension of All Mining Activities
The leaders announced an immediate six-month suspension of all mining operations across Northern Nigeria.
They identified illegal mining as a major source of funding for bandits and terror groups.
The communiqué urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to halt all exploration activities and ensure that all mining licences undergo fresh revalidation—a process that must involve state governors.
They stressed that controlling artisanal and illegal mining is critical to weakening criminal networks.
🔹 Northern Regional Security Trust Fund
A new Northern Regional Security Trust Fund will be created, with each of the 19 states—and their local governments—contributing ₦1 billion monthly, deducted at source.
The framework and management structure for the fund will be finalised in the coming weeks.
🔹 Full Support for State Police
The governors and traditional rulers expressed “wholehearted support” for the creation of state police, urging Northern lawmakers at both federal and state levels to expedite constitutional amendments.
They noted that decentralised policing is essential to addressing fast-evolving security threats.
🔹 Renewed Backing for President Tinubu’s Anti-Terrorism Efforts
The Forum applauded President Tinubu for the recent successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and commended the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
They pledged “total and renewed support” for any military action required to dismantle insurgent camps and end terrorism and banditry “once and for all.”
🔹 Condolences to Affected States
The communiqué extended heartfelt sympathies to the governments and people of:
Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, Borno, and Yobe,
following recent killings, school abductions, and Boko Haram attacks.
A Call for Unity and Accountability
The communiqué concluded by stressing that “only through unity, peer review, and cooperation” can Northern Nigeria defeat its security challenges.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities with firmness, clarity, and unwavering resolve.
This meeting marks one of the most assertive joint security positions taken by Northern leadership in recent years.
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