By Ade Iyamoye
Governors and traditional rulers of Nigeria’s 19 northern states have united in a strong call to the National Assembly to fast-track legislation for the creation of state police as a decisive step toward ending insecurity in the region.
The demand came in a communiqué issued after a high-level joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna. All 19 governors and leaders of traditional councils were in attendance.
Gombe State Governor and Forum Chairman, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who presented the communiqué, underscored their shared stance on local policing.
“We reiterate our full support for state police and urge the National Assembly to accelerate the legal processes required to bring it into effect,” Yahaya stated.
Beyond the push for state police, the northern leaders also pledged closer collaboration with federal security agencies.
They resolved to work with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to boost support for federal forces and to fortify grassroots security systems tailored to local realities.
In a proactive move, the Forum will also establish joint border surveillance platforms to monitor and respond swiftly to threats across state lines.
“This will ensure a more coordinated and efficient response to criminal activities,” Yahaya added.
The gathering praised President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving security and infrastructure in the north.
It ended with a renewed vow by governors and traditional rulers to stand united in pursuit of lasting peace, development, and safety across the region.
