The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has hailed the 19 northern governors for establishing the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund to strengthen efforts against insecurity in the region.
This is contained in a statement on Friday in Kaduna by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of ACF, Bashir Dalhatu.
The chairman described the initiative as a landmark regional intervention to mobilise additional resources against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the region.
He said the initiative demonstrated the governors’ recognition that addressing insecurity required collective action, innovation and sustained commitment alongside federal security efforts.
Mr Dalhatu noted that prolonged insecurity had devastated communities, agriculture and commerce, making peace and security essential for economic recovery and sustainable development.
According to him, effective management of the fund will strengthen intelligence, surveillance, logistics, communications, technology and community based security initiatives.
He further said the intervention would also support victims of violence and enhance ongoing security operations across the region.
The chairman congratulated members of the Board of Trust Fund on their appointments and expressed confidence in their capacity to deliver transparent leadership.
He specifically congratulated Co-Chairmen Yayale Ahmed and Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (retd) on their appointments.
Mr Dalhatu said that their experience in public administration and national security would inspire confidence in the board’s ability to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
The chairman urged northern governors to sustain the political will behind the initiative and ensure transparent fund management.
He stressed that the fund should remain focused on restoring peace, protecting lives and creating conditions for economic and social development in the region.
He reaffirmed ACF’s support for genuine efforts aimed at ending insecurity and rebuilding northern region.
The chairman said that the people of the region deserved to live peacefully, farm without fear and conduct legitimate businesses in a secure environment.
Recall that the19 northern governors on Wednesday inaugurated the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund and pledged a monthly contribution of N1 billion from member states to strengthen regional security.
The decision was reached at a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held in Kaduna.