Northern governors and traditional rulers have called for a six-month suspension of mining activities across the region, saying illegal mining is fuelling insecurity.
At their joint meeting in Kaduna on Monday, the leaders also announced plans to create a regional Security Trust Fund, with each of the 19 northern states and their local governments contributing ₦1bn monthly, totalling ₦228bn annually. The fund will support joint operations, intelligence gathering and coordinated responses to banditry.
The communiqué reaffirmed the North’s full backing for state police, urging lawmakers to fast-track the necessary legal reforms.
The meeting followed a series of mass abductions in Kebbi and Niger states, which led to widespread school closures across several northern states and in federal unity colleges nationwide. President Bola Tinubu has since declared a national security emergency and ordered accelerated recruitment into security agencies.
The leaders blamed criminal mining networks for escalating violence and urged President Tinubu to order a full audit and licence review in the sector.
They commended ongoing military operations and extended sympathies to states hit by recent attacks. Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya warned that insecurity threatened the region’s future, stressing the need for investment in infrastructure and education.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III urged unity, cooperation and openness to criticism, pledging the support of traditional rulers in efforts to stabilise the region.
NSA visits Niger school
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited St. Mary’s Catholic School in Agwara, Niger State, where more than 265 students and teachers were abducted. Ribadu assured families that the victims were safe and that international partners were assisting efforts.
FCT police avert attack
In Abuja, police foiled a planned kidnap operation after arresting a wanted gang member linked to attacks in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. A follow-up ambush led to the killing of three armed bandits and the recovery of rifles and ammunition.
Bandits impose levies in Sokoto
In Sokoto State, residents of Bakale and nearby villages are living in fear after bandits demanded levies ranging from ₦3m to ₦20m, threatening mass abductions for non-payment.
Ekiti assures residents
Amid reports of bandit activity in neighbouring states, the Ekiti State Government urged calm, saying security around its borders had been strengthened.
