Northern Governors Reaffirm Commitment to State Police, Urge National Assembly to Act Fast
By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
KADUNA — The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has once again thrown its weight behind the establishment of State Police, calling on the National Assembly (NASS) to expedite the legislative process for its actualization.
The call came during a joint high-level security meeting with the Northern States Traditional Rulers Council, held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna on Saturday.
Chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, who also serves as the NSGF Chairman, the forum discussed a comprehensive strategy to tackle insecurity and accelerate regional development.
In the communiqué released at the end of the meeting, the governors reaffirmed their unwavering support for State Police, stating it remains a crucial tool in addressing the growing security threats across the North. They also agreed to work with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) to increase logistical and operational support for federal security forces.
Furthermore, the Forum resolved to strengthen localized security frameworks that have proven effective in tackling crime and insurgency. These include state-level vigilante services and intelligence-sharing platforms along inter-state borders to monitor and deter cross-border crimes and terrorist activities.
Governor Yahaya, while reading the communiqué, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing efforts in reducing insecurity and addressing infrastructure deficits in Northern Nigeria.
“We call on the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the legal framework needed to establish State Police, which we believe will complement federal efforts and make our communities safer,” Yahaya stated.
The governors also discussed the need to modernize inter-state surveillance systems, with a plan to set up collaborative platforms that enable real-time intelligence sharing and coordinated response to threats across state lines.
The meeting drew participation from the governors of all 19 Northern states and traditional leaders from their respective councils. Their next joint meeting is scheduled for August 30, 2025, where they will assess the progress of their resolutions and map out further strategies for regional growth and security.
With mounting insecurity across various regions, especially in the North-West and North-Central, the renewed push for State Police reflects a growing consensus on the need for decentralised policing in Nigeria.
