Northern leaders, including the Northern Governors’ Forum and traditional rulers, have reiterated their support for the swift implementation of state policing reforms, describing it as a vital tool to address the escalating security challenges facing the region and the nation at large.
Speaking at a crucial meeting in Kaduna State on Monday, hosted by Governor Uba Sani and presided over by Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, the leaders stressed that Nigeria’s centralized policing system can no longer meet the demands of a country with over 200 million people and vast ungoverned territories.
In his welcome address, Governor Uba Sani, highlighted the importance of a unified approach in tackling insecurity and socioeconomic challenges.
He acknowledged that while many rural communities remain vulnerable, the deterioration of security predated the current administration. “The public conversation about insecurity in the north has become more complicated. A few voices driven by political motives have created the impression that northern governors have grown complacent. Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said.
Sani emphasized the collaborative efforts of northern governors to secure communities, noting their informal peer-review system for sharing strategies and replicating successful interventions. “With fewer than 400,000 police officers nationwide, many rural communities are left without meaningful protection. The creation of state police is therefore imperative,” he added.
Multifaceted Security Challenges
Governor Yahaya, chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, described the region’s security threats as complex and affecting all citizens, Muslims and Christians alike.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for decisive measures to secure the nation amid heightened international scrutiny.
“While we welcome constructive international cooperation, such assistance must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Yahaya said.
He noted that insecurity is deeply rooted in underdevelopment, illiteracy, limited opportunities, climate change, environmental degradation, and poor resource management, which fuel conflicts over scarce resources and leave rural communities vulnerable.
The governor called for northern leaders to unite and tackle these challenges collaboratively, stressing the need for massive investment in human capital, critical infrastructure, and socioeconomic opportunities.
Particular attention was drawn to the plight of almajiri and out-of-school children, urging coordinated actions to ensure every child receives education and skills development.
Investing in Infrastructure and Local Solutions
Yahaya underscored the importance of developing transport and energy infrastructure, including roads, railways, and power lines, to unlock economic opportunities and facilitate trade and investment.
He noted that many of the region’s challenges are local in nature and require local solutions, urging leaders to engage seriously and decisively.
The forum reaffirmed its support for state policing reform as a critical mechanism to combat insecurity, aligning with a prior communique issued on May 10, 2025.
The governors also called on the National Assembly and federal government to prioritize creating the constitutional framework required for implementation.
Listening to Critics and Strengthening Governance
Traditional rulers, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, emphasized the importance of engaging with citizens and critics to improve governance.
He warned that ignoring public feedback could hamper efforts to address insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship.
The Sultan called for regular structured meetings between governors and traditional leaders across the north to harmonize policy decisions and strengthen collaboration.
Governors in attendance included those from Kaduna, Gombe, Niger, Zamfara, Nasarawa, and Bauchi, alongside deputy governors and key traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto.
