Amid worsening insecurity across Northern Nigeria, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has renewed calls for the creation of state police and a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s national security architecture. The governors, representing the 19 northern states, emphasized the urgent need for localized security structures to combat terrorism, banditry, and communal violence ravaging the region.
A Strong Case for State Policing
At the heart of the governors’ resolution is the advocacy for state-controlled police forces. Frustrated by the federal government’s struggle to contain violent crimes—especially in states such as Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, and Yobe—the NSGF urged the National Assembly to expedite constitutional amendments that would empower states to create and manage their own police systems.
The governors clarified that the proposed state police would be strictly professional, focusing on law enforcement, crime prevention, and intelligence gathering—without political interference. According to the forum, localized policing would enhance response time and ensure culturally informed security operations.
Security Strategy Overhaul
The NSGF acknowledged that Nigeria’s existing centralized security model has fallen short. They proposed an integrated strategy that combines the efforts of federal forces with those of state and community-based outfits. This includes deploying advanced surveillance tools, enhancing border control, and improving intelligence-sharing between agencies at all levels of government
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State emphasized that without a change in strategy, criminal groups will continue to exploit existing gaps in the system. “We must rethink how we protect our people,” he said, calling for a security framework that is responsive and people-centered.
Regional Cooperation and Community Involvement.
Acknowledging the cross-border nature of insecurity, the NSGF pledged to enhance inter-state collaboration, strengthen border surveillance, and support grassroots intelligence efforts. They emphasized the role of traditional rulers, youth leaders, and civil society in fostering community-based peace and early conflict detection.
Condolences and Federal Appeal
The governors extended condolences to victims of recent attacks and urged federal security agencies to step up their response. They also called for increased federal funding and logistics to support operations in the North.
Infrastructure and Economic Stability
The forum addressed stalled infrastructure projects, including the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail and Kano–Maiduguri expressway, proposing alternative funding models like public-private partnerships. They stressed that economic revival is key to lasting peace.
Next Steps
The NSGF will reconvene on August 30, 2025, to assess progress on security and development strategies, reaffirming their commitment to localized and sustainable solutions.
