In a decisive move to curb the worsening insecurity plaguing the nation, Nigeria’s 36 state governors have formed a high-level committee in partnership with top security officials.
The decision was reached during an overnight meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), held at the Forum’s secretariat in Maitama, Abuja. The meeting, which extended into the early hours of Thursday, was chaired by the NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The governors unanimously agreed to work directly with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, alongside the heads of the army, navy, air force, police, intelligence services, and the national security adviser. A subcommittee was created to ensure better coordination and faster responses to security threats across the country.
“We must work together to find an immediate solution to the country’s security crisis,” said Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who spoke on behalf of the governors. “The governors are committed to collaborating with security agencies and adopting technology-driven strategies to save lives and restore peace.”
The Chief of Defence Staff briefed the governors on a new security initiative aimed at improving early warning systems and coordinated responses to attacks. The governors expressed strong support for the plan and called for the urgent recruitment of more personnel into security agencies.
They also endorsed the integration of advanced technologies—such as surveillance systems, drones, and communication tools—as essential tools in tackling the persistent threat of insecurity at state and community levels.
The meeting comes in the wake of several deadly incidents across the country: In Benue State, at least 56 people were killed in recent attacks in Logo and Gbagir, In Plateau State, over 50 people, including an entire family of eight, lost their lives during a violent attack on Zike village in Bassa Local Government, In Borno State, an explosion on the Damboa, Maiduguri highway killed eight passengers and injured dozens more.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State highlighted the limitations placed on governors by the constitution, noting that they have minimal control over security forces. However, he strongly advocated for the creation of state police to enhance localized responses to crime.
“We’re not here to trade blame,” Governor Sani said. “We have to be proactive, lead by example, and strengthen collaboration at all levels. State policing is a conversation we must advance.”
Aside from security, the meeting also addressed land reform and housing. Minister of Housing Ahmed Dangiwa briefed the governors on a proposed federal-state partnership to unlock land potential through improved registration systems and urban development initiatives under the government’s “Renewed Hope” programme.
The governors also reviewed a private sector proposal by Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited to modernize electricity distribution and build a smart metering system, a move they believe could boost energy supply and create jobs.
The meeting concluded with a communique emphasizing unity, proactive leadership, and the need for cross-government collaboration to address Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.
Governors from across Nigeria, including those from Edo, Imo, Borno, Kaduna, Ogun, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, Benue, Plateau, and others attended the crucial session.