By Hadiza Mohammed, Northern Operation
The Northern States Governors’ Forum has inaugurated the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund Board, appointing former Chief of Defence Staff, Martin Luther Agwai, and former Defence Minister and ex-Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, as co-chairmen.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Wednesday at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, marks a major regional effort by the 19 northern states to tackle the worsening security challenges confronting the region.
The newly constituted board comprises an array of retired military officers, former police chiefs and senior public officials drawn from across Northern Nigeria. It is expected to provide strategic oversight for the Trust Fund, mobilise financial and material resources, strengthen intelligence sharing and coordinate support for efforts against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and cattle rustling.
Among those appointed to the board are former Chief of Army Staff Faruk Yahaya, former Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, Senator Napoleon Bali, former Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hafiz Inuwa, Air Vice Marshal Kabiru Aliyu and Professor Usman Tar.
Others are Major General A. M. Dikko, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Sunday Babaji, Air Vice Marshal Farouk Omeiza Umar, Major General Muhammad Sani, Major General Bello Sarkin Yaki, Major General John Malu and Brigadier General Ibrahim Agbab.
Speaking during the inauguration, Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Uba Sani, said the Security Trust Fund is designed to complement, rather than replace, the efforts of the Federal Government and existing security agencies.
He stressed that the initiative must remain focused, responsive and credible, noting that its success would be measured not by the number of meetings held but by its ability to protect lives and restore peace across the region.
As part of the initiative’s funding framework, the governors resolved that each of the 19 northern states, together with their local government councils, would contribute ₦1 billion monthly for the next 12 months to finance the operations of the Trust Fund.
The initiative also received the backing of traditional rulers across the North, led by the Sa’ad Abubakar III, who described the Security Trust Fund as a long-overdue practical response to the region’s escalating security crisis.
The Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund is expected to serve as a collaborative platform for mobilising resources, enhancing coordination among stakeholders and supporting security agencies in addressing the persistent threats undermining peace, economic activities and community safety across the region.
