Governors of Northern Nigeria have established a Security Trust Fund Board as part of efforts to tackle insecurity across the region. The governors also pledged ₦1 billion monthly to support security operations and improve coordination among stakeholders.
The decision was reached on Wednesday during a strategic joint security meeting involving traditional rulers and other important stakeholders from the region in Kaduna State.
Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the Security Trust Fund Board was created to provide practical solutions rather than introduce another level of bureaucracy. He described the fund as a transparent, result-driven platform that would strengthen security coordination across Northern Nigeria.
The board will be led by two Co-Chairs: Alhaji Mahmoud Yayale Ahmed, CFR, and General Martin Luther Agwai, CFR.
Other members appointed to the Security Trust Fund Board are:
- Lt Gen. Umar Farouk Yahaya (rtd) – Sokoto | Former Chief of Army Staff
- DIG Hafiz Mohd Inuwa (rtd) – Jigawa | Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Research and Statistics, Force Headquarters
- AVM Kabiru Aliyu (rtd) – Taraba | Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters
- Prof. Usman Tar – Borno | Commissioner for Security, Borno State
- AVM Napoleon Bali (rtd) – Plateau | Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Maj. General A. M. Dikko (rtd) – Niger | National Coordinator, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons
- AIG Sunday Babaji (rtd) – Gombe | AIG FCID Annex Kaduna
- AVM Farouk Omeiza Umar (rtd) – Kogi | Chief of Policy and Plans, Defence Headquarters
- Maj. Gen. Muhammad Sani (rtd) – Kano | Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation
- Muhammad Mujtaba Isa – Zamfara | Former Head of Service
- Alh. Adamu Tanko Umar – Nasarawa | Chief Superintendent of Customs (rtd)
- Malam Abubakar Mustafa – Kaduna | Former Head of Service
- DIG Sani Usman Mohammed (rtd) – Bauchi | Chief Security Officer, Bauchi State
- Maj-Gen. Bello Sarkin Yaki (rtd) – Kebbi | Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser
- Barr. Boss Mustafa, CFR – Adamawa | Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation
- Alhaji Falalu Bawale – Katsina | Head of the Civil Service, Katsina State
- Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Bolakala Agbab (rtd) – Kwara | Chief of Staff, 82 Division, Nigerian Army
- Maj. Gen. John Seyina Malu (rtd) – Benue | Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation
- IGP Usman Alkali Baba (rtd) – Yobe | Former Inspector General of Police
The establishment of the Security Trust Fund Board brings together retired military officers, police officials, public servants and security professionals from across the northern states. The governors said the arrangement would support stronger collaboration and provide resources needed to address security challenges.
The initiative comes amid continued concerns over insecurity in parts of the region, with stakeholders calling for improved intelligence gathering, better cooperation and sustainable funding for security efforts.
Can the new Northern Security Trust Fund deliver the coordinated response needed to improve safety across the region?
