Northern Leaders Call for Mining Suspension and Increased Security Funding
Northern governors and traditional rulers have called for a six-month suspension of mining activities across the region, citing illegal mining as a major contributor to worsening insecurity. The leaders also announced plans to mobilise N228bn to combat bandits terrorising communities in the North.
Under the proposed arrangement, each state and its local governments will contribute N1bn monthly, to be deducted at source under an agreed framework. This means that the 19 northern states will raise N228bn annually. The fund aims to provide sustainable financing for joint operations, intelligence-driven interventions, and coordinated security responses across the North.
The announcement was made during a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna. The communiqué highlighted the growing threat posed by criminal gangs, which have targeted schools and communities, leaving families traumatised and several areas deserted.
Escalating Attacks on Schools
Recent weeks have seen multiple school raids across the region, with no fewer than 500 students and residents kidnapped by criminal gangs. On November 17, 2025, armed men attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting 24 schoolgirls. The school’s vice-principal was killed during the attack. The students were later freed.
Four days later, on November 21, gunmen invaded St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community, Agwara LGA of Niger State, abducting hundreds of pupils and staff. Church and local officials confirmed that 303 students and 12 teachers were taken away. These attacks prompted several states to order the temporary closure of schools in Kebbi, Bauchi, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, Niger, Katsina, and Kwara states. The Federal Government also ordered the closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide.
President Declares Security Emergency
In response to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency, directing immediate recruitment by the army, police, and intelligence agencies. He also urged the National Assembly to begin the process of legalising state police to curb kidnappings and terrorist attacks.
At Monday’s meeting, the northern leaders endorsed the state policing initiative, reversing decades of political opposition to multi-level policing. The meeting, chaired by the Governor of Gombe State and NSGF Chairman, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, had in attendance the 19 northern governors and chairmen of the 19 states’ traditional councils.
Addressing Illegal Mining
The forum asserted that criminal mining networks were fuelling violence and providing resources for armed groups. As a corrective measure, they asked President Tinubu to direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to suspend mining activities to allow for a full audit and revalidation of licences.
“The Forum observed that illegal mining has become a major contributory factor to the security crises in Northern Nigeria,” it said. “We strongly recommend a suspension of mining exploration for six months to allow proper audit and to arrest the menace of artisanal illegal mining.”
To strengthen the fight against insecurity, the governors also announced the creation of a regional Security Trust Fund. “Each of the 19 Northern states and their local governments will contribute N1bn monthly, to be deducted at source, into a dedicated security fund. The framework for the fund will be finalised soon,” the communiqué added.
Regional Collaboration and Support
The forum commended the President for securing the release of recently abducted schoolchildren and praised the sacrifices of the armed forces. They pledged their “renewed and total support” for military action to eliminate insurgent enclaves.
They also extended sympathies to the governments and people of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, Borno, and Yobe states over recent killings, abductions, and Boko Haram attacks.
Governor Yahaya warned that insecurity had reached a point where “the future of the northern region is being mortgaged.” He emphasised that the crisis was multi-layered, driven by years of underdevelopment, weak policing, and economic hardship. “The targeting of our schools is a direct assault on our collective future,” he said.
Traditional Rulers’ Role
The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged the governors to double their efforts and work with absolute unity to rescue the North from its mounting challenges. He dismissed speculations that the meeting was an emergency intervention triggered by recent attacks, saying it had been long scheduled for review and assessment.
He expressed the full support of the traditional institution for the governors, pledging collaboration in the fight against insecurity, poverty, and social dislocation. “As leaders, we need to tell ourselves the truth. But I want to assure you — just listen to the governors — we are 100 per cent with you in this drive to make the North a better place because we don’t have any other place to be,” he said.
Additional Developments
Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited the Proprietor of St. Mary Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Agwara LGA, Bishop Bulus Yohanna of the Kontagora Diocese. The NSA was at the school to commiserate with the authorities over the abduction of more than 265 students and teachers.
In another development, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command foiled a planned attack on an unnamed community following a targeted operation by its Anti-Kidnapping Unit. The operation followed a surge in kidnappings in the ACO community in Gwagwalada and in Bwari, prompting the Commissioner of Police to order intensified efforts to dismantle the network behind the attacks.
Residents of Bakale village in Kilgori district, Yabo LGA of Sokoto State, are panicking after suspected bandits demanded a ₦20m levy from the community. An audio message circulating on social media captured the gang leader directing the village head to mobilise payment, warning that refusal would trigger attacks and mass abductions.
Ekiti State Government urged residents to remain calm despite reports of bandit activity in neighbouring Kogi and Kwara states. Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing security, pledging continued support for the Amotekun Corps.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, unveiled two long-range security drones, 10 patrol vans, 40 motorbikes, and 400 bullet-proof helmets and vests to boost operations. Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, strengthened security at the NYSC orientation camp in Basaura, Jega LGA.
