Northern Governors Launch Security Trust Fund, Name Agwai, Yayale Co-Chairmen

By AZA MSUE and NONYE EKWENUGO, Kaduna

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has inaugurated the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, appointing former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), and former Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, as co-chairmen of its Board of Trustees.

The board comprises retired military officers, former police chiefs and senior public officials nominated by the 19 northern states to drive regional efforts aimed at addressing insecurity.

Other members include former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Umar Farouk Yahaya (rtd); retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa (Jigawa); retired Air Vice Marshal Kabiru Aliyu (Taraba); Prof. Usman Tar, Borno State Commissioner for Security; Senator Napoleon Bali (rtd) of Plateau State; retired Major-General A.M. Dikko (Niger); retired AIG Sunday Babaji (Gombe); retired Air Vice Marshal Farouk Omeiza Umar (Kogi); retired Major-General Muhammad Sani (Kano); Muhammad Mujtaba Isa (Zamfara); Alhaji Adamu Tanko Umar (Nasarawa); Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha (Kaduna); retired DIG Sani Usman Mohammed (Bauchi); retired Major-General Bello Sarkin Yaki (Kebbi); former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha (Adamawa); Alhaji Falalu Bawale (Katsina); retired Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Bolakala Agbab (Kwara); retired Maj.-Gen. John Seyina Malu (Benue); and former Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba (Yobe).

Speaking at the inauguration, Chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the establishment of the fund followed resolutions reached by northern governors during meetings held on December 2, 2025, and March 30, 2026, in Kaduna and Abuja.

He said the governors were united in the belief that the worsening security situation across Northern Nigeria required coordinated and decisive action.

“While the federal government bears primary responsibility for national security, the complementary efforts of the 19 Northern States are needed to support federal security efforts, facilitate intelligence sharing, foster community resilience and establish a lasting framework for regional security and prosperity,” he said.

According to Yahaya, the fund is designed to mobilise resources, strengthen security coordination, enhance intelligence collaboration and complement the efforts of federal security agencies in protecting lives and property.

He described the inauguration of the Board of Trustees as the first major step towards building a more organised, coordinated, sustainable and accountable regional security framework.

Yahaya said the trustees were carefully selected by the 19 northern state governments based on their distinguished records of public service.

He stressed that the trust fund must not become another bureaucratic institution but should serve as a responsive and credible platform focused on delivering measurable security outcomes.

“The Board must also ensure that the Fund remains practical and results-oriented. Our people are not looking for another institution; they are looking for action, protection, stability and hope,” he said.

He added that the board would be responsible for overseeing the proper management of resources, ensuring transparency and accountability, prioritising interventions and supporting initiatives that improve security coordination across the region.

In his welcome remarks, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had demonstrated commitment to the development of Northern Nigeria through strategic interventions in transportation, agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, infrastructure and national security.

He renewed his call for the establishment of state police, describing it as an urgent and strategic necessity in tackling banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

“For many years, governors across party lines have advocated a policing architecture that is more responsive to local realities and better equipped to address contemporary security challenges,” Sani said.

“With Nigeria’s vast landscape, the increasing sophistication of criminal elements and the limited number of police and military personnel, the creation of state police will no doubt be a force multiplier in our quest to degrade and decimate bandits, terrorists and kidnappers laying siege to our communities.”