The Northern Governors Forum (NGF) has formally called on the National Assembly to enact legislation for the creation of state police as a strategic measure to enhance security nationwide. This resolution was announced at the end of the Forum’s meeting held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Kaduna, and was read by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State.
Governor Yahaya emphasized the Forum’s strong support for the establishment of state police and urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the legal framework necessary for its implementation. The governors believe that having state police forces will enable more localized and effective responses to security challenges such as insurgency, banditry, and other crimes that have plagued various parts of the country.
In addition to backing state police creation, the Forum resolved to strengthen interstate border surveillance to better coordinate efforts against cross-border criminal activities. The governors also expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to address security issues and infrastructural deficits across Nigeria.
The meeting, which included all 19 Northern governors as well as chairmen of the region’s traditional rulers, underscored the importance of enhanced collaboration with the Nigeria Governors Forum and federal security agencies to tackle the country’s security challenges more effectively.
This unified stance from Northern leaders marks a significant push toward decentralized policing in Nigeria, reflecting growing concerns over the limitations of the current centralized police system and the urgent need for tailored security solutions at the state level.
Sources: Daily Post, The Cable, Guardian Nigeria, Punch, The Sun
