The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged northern leaders and residents to work together in tackling banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats, stressing that safeguarding lives is a shared responsibility.
Speaking on Wednesday at a joint meeting of northern governors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in Kaduna, the Sultan said lasting peace can only be achieved through close collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities.
According to him, security should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of the military, police or elected officials.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility. It is not for security agencies alone, governors alone or traditional rulers alone. We must all unite to confront terrorism, kidnapping and every form of criminality with determination,” he said.
Security Trust Fund Board Launched
The Sultan described the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund as a significant milestone in efforts to tackle the region’s persistent security challenges.
He said the board, which comprises respected individuals drawn from the 19 northern states, would provide a more practical and coordinated approach to improving security.
“We have held discussions over the years and produced several reports. With the inauguration of this board, we believe the real work of finding lasting solutions is now beginning,” he stated.
The traditional ruler assured the board of the full cooperation of northern monarchs, noting that traditional institutions possess valuable local knowledge that could aid security operations.
“Reach out to us whenever you need our support. We understand our communities, we know the people, and we are fully prepared to work hand in hand with you,” he added.
Unity Key To Defeating Insecurity
The Sultan stressed that the fight against insecurity must rise above religious, ethnic and political differences, describing unity as the North’s greatest strength.
He also recalled that northern traditional rulers had consistently condemned violent extremism and submitted recommendations on insecurity to the Northern Governors’ Forum as far back as 2014.
“We have never supported violence or extremism. As Muslims, we rejected it from the beginning. Years ago, we submitted recommendations on addressing these challenges, and today marks another important step towards restoring peace in the region,” he said.
He further appealed to governors to ensure consistent funding for the security initiative, warning that meaningful progress would be difficult without adequate financial support.
Yayale Ahmed, Agwai Head Security Trust Fund
Earlier, the Northern Governors’ Forum appointed former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, and former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (retd.), as co-chairmen of the Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund.
Other members include former Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba, former Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya (retd.), and several distinguished security experts and public servants from across the region.
The Trust Fund is expected to mobilise resources, strengthen intelligence sharing and improve coordination in support of security operations.
Northern Governors Commit ₦1 Billion Monthly
Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the inauguration of the board marks the first major step toward implementing the region’s collective strategy against insecurity.
He explained that the 19 northern states agreed to establish the Trust Fund after recognising the need for a coordinated and sustainable response to the growing security crisis.
Yahaya disclosed that the states and their local governments had committed to contributing a combined ₦1 billion every month for one year to finance the initiative.
He urged states yet to fulfil their financial commitments to do so and charged the board to manage the resources with transparency, accountability and prudence.
‘Citizens Want Results’
The Gombe governor acknowledged that national security remains the constitutional responsibility of the Federal Government but stressed that states must complement federal efforts through improved intelligence gathering, stronger community engagement and regional cooperation.
He cautioned that the Trust Fund should not become another bureaucratic institution, insisting that its success would be measured by tangible improvements in security.
“Our people want action. They want protection, stability and hope. The effectiveness of this initiative will be judged by stronger security coordination, better intelligence sharing, quicker response to threats and improved protection of lives and property,” Yahaya said.
He also reaffirmed the forum’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s security reforms, including ongoing discussions on the establishment of state police.
However, he maintained that military operations alone cannot solve the region’s security problems, calling for greater investment in education, agriculture, job creation, youth empowerment and skills development as part of a long-term strategy to address the root causes of insecurity.
The Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund was first proposed by northern governors in December 2025 to provide sustainable funding for joint security operations and intelligence-driven interventions. Under the arrangement, each state and its local governments are expected to contribute ₦1 billion monthly through an agreed funding framework.
While only a handful of states have begun making their contributions, Yahaya previously disclosed that Nasarawa, Gombe, Borno, Kebbi and Kaduna had commenced payments and encouraged others to honour their commitments.
Expressing optimism about the initiative, the Sultan said the region could overcome its security challenges through unity, commitment and faith.
“There is nothing impossible with the help of Almighty Allah. We will do our part, place our trust in God and pray for success as we work towards lasting peace in Northern Nigeria,” he said.