Northern Governors Launch Security Trust Fund, Appoint Agwai, Yayale Ahmed to Lead Regional Anti-Insecurity Drive
By Editor In-cheif Public Eye News
Kaduna, Nigeria – The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has inaugurated the Board of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF), appointing former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd.), and former Minister of Defence and ex-Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, as Co-Chairmen.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Wednesday at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, marks a significant regional effort to strengthen collaboration in addressing the growing security challenges confronting Northern Nigeria.
The Board comprises an array of retired military officers, former police chiefs, and experienced public officials drawn from the 19 Northern states. The initiative is designed to mobilise financial resources, enhance intelligence sharing, and support coordinated responses against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other emerging security threats.
Among the prominent members are former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (Rtd.), former Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, Senator Napoleon Bali (Rtd.), former Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hafiz Inuwa, Air Vice Marshal Kabiru Aliyu (Rtd.), Prof. Usman Tar, Maj. Gen. A.M. Dikko (Rtd.), AIG Sunday Babaji (Rtd.), Air Vice Marshal Farouk Omeiza Umar (Rtd.), Maj. Gen. Muhammad Sani (Rtd.), Maj. Gen. Bello Sarkin Yaki (Rtd.), Maj. Gen. John Malu (Rtd.), Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Agbab (Rtd.), and other distinguished security experts.
Speaking during the inauguration, NSGF Chairman, Governor Yahaya, stressed that the Trust Fund is intended to complement—not replace—the efforts of the Federal Government and existing security agencies.
He emphasised that the success of the initiative would be measured by its ability to improve the safety of lives and property across the region rather than by the number of meetings held.
As part of the funding framework, the governors resolved that each of the 19 Northern states, in collaboration with their respective local government councils, will contribute ₦1 billion monthly for a period of 12 months to finance the operations of the Trust Fund.
The initiative also received the endorsement of Northern traditional rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who described the Trust Fund as a timely and practical response to the region’s persistent security challenges.
The Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund is expected to serve as a strategic platform for strengthening regional security cooperation, improving operational coordination, and supporting ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across Northern Nigeria.
Source: Northern Nigeria Hubs.
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