Northern Governors Unveil Security Trust Fund, Appoint Yayale Ahmed and Agwai to Lead Strategic Board
Kaduna | June 9, 2026
By Matthew Saiza
Regional Security Push: Northern Governors Tap Former Defence Chiefs to Drive New Initiative
In a bold move aimed at confronting rising insecurity across Northern Nigeria, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has inaugurated the Board of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, appointing former Chief of Defence Staff, (Rtd), and former Defence Minister and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, , as Co-Chairs.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Wednesday at , signals a coordinated regional effort by the 19 northern states to strengthen the fight against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other security threats.
The newly constituted board comprises retired military officers, former security chiefs, and public figures with extensive experience in national security management. Its mandate includes mobilising resources, promoting intelligence sharing, and providing strategic direction for security interventions across the region.
Among the members are former Chief of Army Staff , former Inspector-General of Police , former Secretary to the Government of the Federation , and other senior military and security experts drawn from the northern states.
Speaking on the objectives of the initiative, the Chairman of the Board, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd), stressed that the Fund would complement the efforts of the Federal Government and existing security institutions rather than serve as a replacement.
He emphasised that the success of the initiative would be measured by its ability to protect lives and communities, describing the Fund as one that must remain “focused, responsive and credible.”
As part of the funding framework, the Northern States Governors’ Forum resolved that each state government, alongside local governments, would contribute ₦1 billion monthly for 12 months towards the initiative.
The intervention is expected to provide additional support for security operations, enhance coordination among stakeholders, and strengthen efforts to restore peace and stability across Northern Nigeria.
