Governors Demand Urgent Review of Nigeria’s Security Strategies
Governor Sani Addresses Concerns Over State Police Abuse
In a pivotal meeting, the 19 northern governors, part of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), have called for an immediate reassessment of Nigeria’s security strategies, emphasizing the urgent need for a state police to combat the rising threats from Boko Haram in the North-east, banditry in the North-west, and escalating insecurity nationwide.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State reassured citizens that any legal framework developed by the National Assembly would limit state police powers strictly to security matters, guarding against potential political misuse.
Concluding their session with the Northern Traditional Rulers Council at the Government House in Kaduna, the governors urged the National Assembly to expedite the necessary legal measures to operationalize the state police. The communique, presented by NSGF Chairman and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing commitment to addressing security challenges while recognizing setbacks in combating violence and insecurity.
The governors resolved to collaborate with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to enhance federal security forces’ support and strengthen local initiatives to combat security threats. They also expressed the need for interstate cooperation to monitor border security and reinforced their support for state police establishment.
The next NSGF meeting is scheduled for August 30, 2025. Governor Yahaya emphasized the need for intensified efforts to curb violence and ensure public safety, extending condolences to affected states such as Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, and Yobe over recent violent incidents.
Highlighting the urgency of addressing security issues, Yahaya stated, “We must implement comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of our citizens and tackle violent acts that have reemerged in the region.” He also referred to the discussions held on tax reform in the previous meeting and shared optimism for a consensus among various stakeholders towards a viable resolution.
Governor Sani noted the continuous challenges faced by the region while advocating for a strategic roadmap to enhance security, peace, and governance in Northern Nigeria. He commended the unity displayed by the NSGF and the NTRC in addressing critical issues, reinforcing the collective strength of Northern governance.
In an interview, Sani reiterated his belief that a robust legal framework for state police will empower local law enforcement to effectively confront organized crime while maintaining public order.
Fourteen of the nineteen Northern governors attended the recent meeting, including Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Sani (Kaduna), and Yahaya (Gombe). Absentees from the meeting included governors from Borno, Kwara, Kano, Benue, and Bauchi, who were nevertheless represented.
Prior to this gathering, the North-west Governors’ Forum addressed similar security issues, with a focus on the rising drug abuse crisis among youth in the region. Chairman and Governor of Katsina State, Umar Radda, underscored the collaborative intent to tackle this pressing problem alongside security threats, aiming to foster the necessary development across the region.
