Despite Killings NSGF Says ‘Security Situation In North Has Shown Improvement’
Despite spate of killings and kidnappings in Northern Nigeria, the Northern States governor’s forum has claimed that there have been “measurable improvements” in security conditions across parts of Northern Nigeria.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) made this claim on Monday, even as it called for sustained funding and intensified efforts to consolidate recent gains.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional security through the advancement of the Security Trust Fund, stressing that progress recorded so far must not lead to complacency.
Chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, made this known during the opening session of the forum’s meeting in Abuja, where he also pressed for the regular payment of the N1bn monthly contribution agreed upon by member states to bolster security operations.
He disclosed that Nasarawa, Gombe, Borno, Kebbi, and Kaduna states had already begun fulfilling their N1bn monthly commitment to the Northern States Security Trust Fund, describing the development as a step in the right direction.
Yahaya noted that the region’s security landscape, which was previously dire, has begun to improve due to coordinated actions by state governments and support from the Federal Government.
“When we last met in December 2025, we were confronted with a deeply troubling security situation that demanded urgent, coordinated, and decisive action.
“Today, I am encouraged to note that, through our collective efforts and the support of the Federal Government, the security situation across parts of Northern Nigeria has shown measurable improvement.”
Despite the progress, the forum warned against easing efforts, insisting that emerging threats still require vigilance and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
“However, there is absolutely no room for complacency.”
“We must sustain and intensify our collective efforts to consolidate the gains recorded by neutralising emerging threats and ensuring that peace and security take firm and lasting root across our region.”
Yahaya emphasised that security remains the bedrock of development, linking the stability of the region to broader socio-economic progress.
“The safety of our people remains the foundation upon which all development rests. Our efforts towards the institutional strengthening and restructuring of the NSGF are bearing fruit.”
He further stressed the need to strengthen the institutional framework of the forum to enhance coordination and long-term impact.
“As we continue to take on greater responsibilities in collectively shaping the future of Northern Nigeria, it is imperative that the Northern States Governors’ Forum is repositioned on a solid institutional foundation, one that enhances coordination, ensures continuity, and improves our capacity for strategic engagement and policy implementation.”
Reiterating the forum’s earlier resolutions, Yahaya underscored the importance of financial commitment by all states to ensure the effectiveness of the Security Trust Fund.
“At our last meeting, we took far-reaching decisions, particularly the resolution to establish the Northern States Security Trust Fund, with a firm commitment by each state to contribute N1bn monthly to the fund.”
The forum maintained that sustained funding and stronger collaboration would be critical to preserving the improved security outlook across Northern Nigeria.
This claims come despite continual killings in Northern Nigeria.
Just on Sunday, Anguwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State confirmed at least 26 deaths following the deadly Palm Sunday attack, with more victims still hospitalised.
In a fresh video released on Monday morning and obtained by SaharaReporters, lifeless bodies of victims were seen lying out, as community members struggled to come to terms with the scale of the killings.
A visibly distressed community leader, who spoke in the video, said the attackers laid an ambush on unsuspecting residents and carried out a coordinated massacre.
“They laid ambush on our people. They killed more than 26. We are still counting as some corpses are in the hospital. We are calling on the government to take necessary actions. If not, we won’t be able to control the youths again. We are tired of the killings. We are tired of the Fulani militant actions,” he said.
Before then, there had been killings in Maiduguri, Borno State while bandits also rampaged in Kwara State.
