Northern Governors, Traditional Rulers Call for Collective Action to Tackle Insecurity
In a rare show of unity, the 19 Northern Governors and the region’s Traditional Rulers’ Council convened an emergency joint meeting at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, issuing a strong communiqué warning that decisive and coordinated action is the only way to end the escalating insecurity plaguing northern Nigeria.
The meeting, chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who also serves as Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), brought together top political leaders and senior traditional rulers from all 19 northern states. The gathering was prompted by a surge in kidnappings, banditry, insurgency, and other violent crimes that have increasingly threatened lives, property, and social stability in the region.
In the communiqué, the leaders underscored that northern Nigeria faces an existential threat unless immediate and unified measures are taken. They called for a State Police system, arguing that the current centralized policing structure has proven inadequate to effectively protect the vast and diverse territories of the North.
The communiqué further emphasized the need for a combination of collective political will, community engagement, and decisive security reforms. Traditional rulers pledged to leverage their influence to promote social cohesion, encourage community participation in security efforts, and foster tolerance, while religious and local leaders were urged to discourage divisive rhetoric and violence.
The governors also extended condolences to communities recently affected by violent attacks, affirming their commitment to support ongoing federal security operations as part of a “collective fight” against insurgents and criminal networks.
Observers note that the joint meeting represents a rare collaboration between political and traditional institutions in the North, signaling a shared recognition of the severity of the security crisis.
The focus on State Police reflects a longstanding demand from northern states, who argue that localized policing, adequately funded and well-trained, could respond more effectively to regional security challenges.
While the communiqué sets out a clear vision for addressing insecurity, analysts caution that translating the recommendations into action will require constitutional or legislative backing, significant funding, structured oversight, and community cooperation.
Addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, underdevelopment, and lack of education, will also be essential to achieving lasting peace.
The Northern Governors and Traditional Rulers have signaled that they are prepared to engage all stakeholders — federal authorities, security agencies, and community leaders — to implement practical solutions aimed at restoring safety, stability, and confidence in the region.
