By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has inaugurated the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF) and appointed former Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, and former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, as co-chairmen of its Board of Trustees.
Other members of the board include former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Umar Farouk Yahaya (retd.); retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa (Jigawa); retired Air Vice Marshal Kabiru Aliyu (Taraba); Prof. Usman Tar, Borno State Commissioner for Security; Senator Air Vice Marshal Napoleon Bali (retd.) from Plateau; and retired Maj.-Gen. A.M. Dikko, former National Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Also appointed are retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Sunday Babaji (Gombe); retired Air Vice Marshal Farouk Omeiza Umar (Kogi); retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Sani (Kano); former Zamfara State Head of Service, Muhammad Mujtaba Isa; retired Chief Superintendent of Customs, Alhaji Adamu Tanko Umar (Nasarawa); former Kaduna State Head of Service, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha; retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Sani Usman Mohammed (Bauchi); retired Maj.-Gen. Bello Sarkin Yaki (Kebbi); former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha (Adamawa); Alhaji Falalu Bawale (Katsina); retired Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Bolakala Agbab (Kwara); retired Maj.-Gen. John Seyina Malu (Benue); and former Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba (Yobe).
Speaking at the inauguration in Kaduna, Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the establishment of the Trust Fund was a major step towards addressing the region’s security challenges through a coordinated and sustainable approach.
He recalled that at the Forum’s meetings held on December 2, 2025, in Kaduna and March 30, 2026, in Abuja, governors agreed that the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria required urgent, coordinated and decisive action.
While acknowledging that the Federal Government has the primary responsibility for national security, Yahaya said the 19 Northern states have a complementary role in supporting federal security efforts, promoting intelligence sharing, strengthening community resilience and creating a framework for lasting peace and prosperity.
He explained that the Security Trust Fund was established to mobilise resources, support security coordination, strengthen intelligence collaboration and complement the efforts of federal security agencies.
According to him, the inauguration of the Board of Trustees marks the first major step towards implementing the Forum’s commitment to tackling insecurity in a more organised, accountable and sustainable manner.
Yahaya said members of the board were carefully selected by the 19 Northern state governments based on their distinguished records of public service.
He stressed that the Trust Fund must not become another layer of bureaucracy but should function as a practical, responsive and credible platform for mobilising resources and supporting security operations across the region.
“The Board must ensure that the Fund remains practical and results-oriented. Our people are not looking for another institution; they are looking for action, protection, stability and hope,” he said.
He added that the success of the Fund would be measured by improvements in security coordination, intelligence sharing, rapid response and the protection of lives and property.
Earlier, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani reaffirmed the region’s commitment to working with the Federal Government to promote security, development and national unity.
He said President Bola Tinubu had demonstrated commitment to the development of Northern Nigeria through strategic interventions in transportation, agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, infrastructure and national security.
According to him, the North appreciates the Federal Government’s support and remains committed to strengthening collaboration for the benefit of the country.
Governor Sani also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, describing it as an urgent and strategic necessity for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
He argued that with the country’s vast landmass, growing security threats and limited number of security personnel, state police would strengthen efforts to combat banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
He commended President Tinubu and the National Assembly for advancing the State Police Bill, expressing confidence that the legislative process would soon be concluded.
