Northern Nigerian Governors Launch Security Trust Fund to Combat Terrorism

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) inaugurated the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF) on July 8, 2026, at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna. To ensure the fund's sustainability, the 19 northern governors pledged to contribute ₦1 billion each per month for one year, supported by additional funding from their local governments. The fund is designed to enhance intelligence sharing, surveillance, logistics, and victim support programs to complement federal security efforts.

Governor of Gombe State Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, serving as NSGF Chairman, appointed former Minister of Defence Mahmud Yayale Ahmed and retired General Martin Luther Agwai as co-chairmen of the Board of Trustees. During the proceedings, the NSGF issued a communiqué endorsing the establishment of state police and praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for advancing the necessary constitutional amendments. Governor of Kaduna State Uba Sani further advocated for the urgent implementation of the State Police Bill to improve local community protection.

Traditional leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, pledged their support for the initiative, while the forum emphasized that military actions must be paired with investments in education and agriculture to address poverty and unemployment. The Arewa Consultative Forum commended the trust fund as a landmark intervention but urged the governors to manage the resources professionally and transparently to avoid political interference.