Northern govs unveil security fund board, pledge ₦1bn monthly

By Femi Oyelola,Kaduna

Northern State Governors have inaugurated the Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund and committed N1 billion each month for 12 months from every state and local government to combat insecurity across the region.

The inauguration took place on Tuesday, July 8th, 2026, in Kaduna during the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum meeting, chaired by Gombe State Governor and Forum Chairman, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON.

During the event, Governor Yahaya highlighted insecurity as the most serious challenge facing the North, noting that banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other crimes have disrupted livelihoods and hindered development. He mentioned that previous meetings had established that the crisis demands “prompt, coordinated, and decisive measures.”

“While the Federal Government bears primary responsibility for national security, the efforts of the 19 Northern States are essential to support federal initiatives, improve intelligence sharing, and establish a lasting framework for regional security and prosperity,” he said.

The Governor explained that the Trust Fund was created to mobilize resources, support security coordination, and complement federal efforts, emphasizing that it must not become just another layer of bureaucracy. He revealed that each state and local government is expected to contribute N1 billion monthly for 12 months, calling on all governors to fulfill their pledges without delay.

The Forum also appointed former Defense Minister Alhaji Mahmoud Yayale Ahmed, CFR, and retired General Martin Luther Agwai, former Chief of Defense Staff, as Co-Chairmen of the Board.

Additional members inaugurated include retired Lt. Gen. Umar Farouk Yahaya from Sokoto, retired DIG Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa from Jigawa, retired AVM Kabiru Aliyu from Taraba, Borno Security Commissioner Prof. Usman Tar, retired AVM Napoleon Bali from Plateau, retired Maj. Gen. A.M Dikko from Niger, retired AIG Sunday Babaji from Gombe, retired AVM Farouk Omeiza Umar from Kogi, retired Maj. Gen. Muhammad Sani from Kano, former Zamfara Head of Service Muhammad Mujtaba Isa, retired CSC Adamu Tanko Umar from Nasarawa, former Kaduna Head of Service Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, retired DIG Sani Usman Mohammed from Bauchi, retired Maj. Gen. Bello Sarkin Yaki from Kebbi, former SGF Boss Mustafa from Adamawa, Katsina Head of Service Alhaji Falalu Bawale, retired Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Bolakala Agbab from Kwara, retired Maj—Gen. John Seyina Malu from Benue, and former IGP Usman Alkali Baba from Yobe.

In his remarks, Co-Chairman Yayale Ahmed committed the Board to the responsible use of resources. He stated it will utilize technology, drones, early warning systems, and digital mapping to improve response efforts. He also emphasized that priority will be given to non-kinetic measures such as community intelligence, deradicalization, and youth empowerment, with traditional rulers playing a key role.

“The Trust Fund is being inaugurated today as a direct response to the cries of our people for safety and peace. We pledge our total commitment to ensure the safety of these funds and their judicious application,” he said.

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, also pledged support from traditional institutions and urged the government to focus on education, health, and social services to address the root causes of insecurity.

Governor Yahaya, in his closing remarks, called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, and the private sector to support the initiative, noting that “security is not the responsibility of government alone. It is a collective duty.”