Northern Governors Unveil Sh*ck Measures: Mining Ban, ₦1bn Monthly Security Fund In Bold Anti-Terror Push

Northern governors and traditional rulers have called for a six-month suspension of mining activities across the region, warning that illegal mining has become a major driver of banditry, terrorism, and other violent crimes plaguing northern Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This recommendation was outlined in a communiqué issued on Monday, December 1, following a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.

The session, chaired by NSGF Chairman and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, had in attendance all 19 northern governors as well as chairmen of the 19 traditional councils.

The leaders expressed deep alarm over the renewed surge in killings, abductions, and terror attacks reported in Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Kano states, in addition to fresh Boko Haram assaults in Borno and Yobe.

According to them, the repeated attacks on schoolchildren and rural communities have become “unacceptable tragedies” that demand urgent, coordinated action.

“The Forum extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the governments and good people of the affected states,” the communiqué stated.

The leaders commended President Bola Tinubu for what they described as the Federal Government’s “firm response” to the recent abductions, including the rescue of some kidnapped schoolchildren. They also acknowledged the sacrifices of security personnel confronting multiple threats across the region.

“We resolved to renew our support for every step taken by the President and Commander-in-Chief to take the fight to insurgents’ enclaves in order to end the criminality,” the northern governors affirmed.

A key outcome of the meeting was the region’s renewed and united backing for the establishment of state police, which they described as unavoidable given the escalating security challenges.

“The Forum reaffirms its wholehearted support and commitment to the establishment of state police,” the communiqué noted, urging federal and state lawmakers from the region to fast-track efforts toward its actualisation.

Communiqué Extract:
‘Northern Governors Launch Landmark Regional Security Trust Fund with ₦1bn Monthly Contributions Per State’

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AFTER THE JOINT MEETING OF THE NORTHERN STATES GOVERNORS’ FORUM AND THE NORTHERN TRADITIONAL RULERS’ COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY, 1ST DECEMBER, 2025 AT THE SIR KASHIM IBRAHIM HOUSE, KADUNA

The Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council convened a joint meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the Council Chamber of the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.

The meeting was attended by all 19 Northern State Governors and the Chairmen of the 19 Northern Traditional Councils. After extensive deliberations on key regional and national issues, the Forum issued the following resolutions:

The Forum commended the members and traditional rulers for their unwavering dedication to the unity, security, and development of the northern region. It stressed that only collective action, cooperation, and peer review can effectively address the mounting challenges facing the region. The Forum reaffirmed its determination to confront these issues decisively.

Condolences were extended to the governments and residents of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Kano states over the recent killings and abductions of schoolchildren and other innocent citizens, as well as to victims of Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe states.

The Forum praised the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its swift efforts in securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and tackling other security incidents. It also acknowledged the sacrifices of security personnel combating insurgency across the country. Consequently, the Forum resolved to intensify support for all measures taken by the President to weaken insurgents and end criminal activities.

The Forum reiterated its firm support for the creation of state police and encouraged lawmakers from the region to accelerate legislative processes to make it a reality.

It further observed that illegal mining remains a major contributor to insecurity in the North. As a result, the Forum resolved to strongly recommend that the President direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to suspend mining activities for six months to allow for a comprehensive audit. During this period, all mining licences are to undergo revalidation in collaboration with the state governors, aimed at curbing artisanal illegal mining.

To bolster regional security, the Forum also resolved to establish a regional Security Trust Fund, financed through a monthly contribution of ₦1 billion from each state and its local governments, deducted at source under an agreed framework.

The Forum will reconvene at a later date to be communicated.

Signed:
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON
Governor of Gombe State / Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum