Kaduna: The 19 Northern governors, in collaboration with Chairmen of the Northern States Traditional Rulers Council, have called for accelerated action in tackling the region’s security challenges. The northern leaders made the call in a six-point communique issued at the end of a meeting at the instance of the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF), in Kaduna.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the NGF acknowledged the role of non-partisan cooperation and collaboration in addressing the numerous developmental challenges confronting the north and deliberated on ways to improve the security apparatus of the region and Nigeria at large. After extensive discussions focusing on regional interests, particularly security, the forum released a communique expressing their stance.

The communique commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dedication to addressing security issues and infrastructure deficits in Northern Nigeria. It also mentioned that the forum resolved to collaborate with the Nigerian Governors Forum to develop strategies for increasing support to Federal Security Agencies.

The NGF emphasized the importance of strengthening local initiatives to combat various security challenges. Additionally, the forum resolved to urgently establish inter-state platforms to coordinate surveillance on shared borders. The forum reiterated its support for the creation of State Police and urged the National Assembly to expedite the legal framework necessary for its establishment.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Forum’s next meeting is scheduled to hold on August 30.