Northern Leaders Back Swift State Police Reform, Warn Against Divisive Security Narratives

Northern leaders—including governors under the Northern Governors’ Forum and prominent traditional rulers—have reaffirmed their support for the rapid implementation of state policing, describing it as an essential tool for addressing the region’s escalating security crisis.

Meeting in Kaduna on Monday, the leaders stressed that Nigeria’s highly centralised policing structure can no longer adequately serve a population of over 200 million people spread across vast, poorly governed territories. They cautioned against divisive rhetoric that could fracture national unity and undermine collective efforts to combat insecurity.

Governors Push for Decentralised Policing

The meeting, hosted by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and chaired by Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, comes amid worsening insecurity in the north, marked by banditry, kidnapping, farmer–herder clashes, and disruptions to economic activities.

In his welcome remarks, Governor Uba Sani underscored the urgent need for a unified regional response. He strongly advocated for the establishment of state police, noting that the country’s current centralised security model is overstretched and insufficient.

“With fewer than four hundred thousand police officers nationwide, many rural communities are left without meaningful protection,” he said. “Nigeria’s centralised policing model can no longer meet the demands of present realities.”

Sani dismissed claims that northern governors have become complacent, insisting that all governors are actively collaborating, sharing intelligence, reviewing strategies and holding one another accountable.

Security Challenges Affect All Sides, Says Forum Chair

Forum Chairman and Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, described the region’s security challenges as multifaceted, affecting both Muslims and Christians. He commended President Bola Tinubu for taking bold steps to secure the nation, especially under growing international pressure.

He urged leaders to reject divisive narratives designed to erode national unity.

“Our people, Muslims and Christians alike, continue to suffer from acts of terror and criminality,” Yahaya said. “The objective of our enemies is to sow discord and distrust. We must not allow them to win.”

Yahaya linked the insecurity to deep-rooted issues including underdevelopment, illiteracy, climate change pressures, environmental degradation, and poor resource management, warning that these factors continue to fuel conflict and economic hardship across the north.

Call for United Action and Human Capital Investment

Governor Yahaya emphasized that northern leaders must work together to reverse the region’s decline by investing heavily in human capital, infrastructure, and socioeconomic opportunities. He highlighted the crisis of out-of-school children—especially almajiri children—as a major priority requiring decisive action.

“The reality of millions of our northern children roaming the streets instead of being in classrooms is a stain on our collective conscience,” he said.

Yahaya reiterated the forum’s strong support for state policing and urged federal and state lawmakers to give the reform urgent priority, expressing optimism after President Tinubu urged the National Assembly to create the necessary constitutional framework.

Traditional Rulers Call for Openness to Criticism

Traditional rulers, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, raised concerns about the social and economic toll of insecurity. The Sultan urged governors to listen to critics rather than dismiss them, noting that constructive feedback strengthens governance and improves policy responses.

He also called for more frequent and structured engagements between governors and traditional rulers to ensure harmonious decision-making and coordinated actions across the northern region.

Meeting Attendance

Governors from Kaduna, Gombe, Niger, Zamfara, Nasarawa, and Bauchi States were present, alongside deputy governors representing their principals. Several leading traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, also attended the meeting.