The Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held a joint meeting in Kaduna, resulting in two key resolutions aimed at tackling insecurity headlong in the region.
Northern leaders called for a six-month suspension of all mining activities across the region.
They argued that illegal mining is a primary factor contributing to the escalating security crisis and the worsening banditry in many states.
The leaders also announced a plan to mobilize a N228 billion fund annually to combat the persistent banditry and terrorism afflicting communities across the North.
Each of the 19 northern states, including its local governments, is expected to contribute N1 billion monthly.
The contributions will be deducted at source under an agreed financial framework.
They explained that the fund is intended to provide sustainable financing for essential security measures, including joint operations, intelligence-driven interventions, and coordinated security responses across all Northern states.
These resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after the joint meeting at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.
In recent weeks, multiple school raids have rocked the region, leaving families traumatised and several communities deserted.
No fewer than 500 students and residents have been kidnapped by criminal gangs from schools and communities, forcing authorities to shut down schools in several states.
On November 17, 2025, armed men attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting 24 schoolgirls.
The school’s vice-principal was killed during the attack. The students were freed a few days later.
Four days later, on November 21, gunmen invaded St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community, Agwara LGA of Niger State, abducting hundreds of pupils and staff.
Church and local officials later confirmed that 303 students and 12 teachers were taken away.
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