Northern governors and traditional rulers have agreed to stop all mining activities in the region for six months, saying illegal mining is now a major source of insecurity.
This was part of a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) in Kaduna.
The meeting was chaired by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe and attended by all 19 northern governors and leaders of the traditional councils.
The communiqué said the North is facing rising insecurity, including killings and abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa and Kano states, as well as new Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe.
“The Forum extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the governments and good people of the affected states,” it said. It added that the attacks on schoolchildren and other residents were “unacceptable tragedies” that needed urgent action.
The governors praised President Bola Tinubu for what they called the Federal Government’s firm response to kidnappings and insurgency threats, especially the rescue of some abducted pupils. They also commended security agencies for their efforts.
“We resolved to renew our support for every step taken by the President and Commander-in-Chief to take the fight to insurgents’ enclaves in order to end the criminality,” the governors said.
The governors and traditional leaders also renewed their support for the creation of state police, saying decentralised policing is now necessary to improve security.
“The Forum reaffirms its wholehearted support and commitment to the establishment of state police,” the communiqué said, calling on federal and state lawmakers from the North to act quickly.
On issues of illegal mining, the governors said it has become a major driver of insecurity because criminal groups are using it to make money.
“The Forum observed that illegal mining has become a major contributory factor to the security crises in Northern Nigeria,” the communiqué stated.
“We strongly recommend a suspension of mining exploration for six months to allow proper audit and to arrest the menace of artisanal illegal mining.”
In a bid to strengthen regional security, the Forum also announced plans for a Security Trust Fund. Under the plan, each state and its local governments will contribute N1bn monthly, deducted at source.
According to them, the fund will support joint operations, intelligence work and coordinated security responses across the region. The meeting ended with a call for unity among northern leaders.
“Only through unity, peer review and cooperation can we overcome the pressing challenges before us,” the communiqué said. The Forum will meet again on a date to be announced later.
