Governors of the Nineteen States under the aegis of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) have expressed concern over the spate of insecurity in the region in particular and the country as a whole, declaring that urgent measures must be taken to check the ugly trend.
Consequently, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya echoed the growing consensus among stakeholders that addressing the complex security challenges plaguing the region and Nigeria at large, requires a united front and coordinated action among security forces and government agencies at all levels.
The NSGF made this assertion during a press briefing held after a high-level security meeting involving the 19 Northern Governors, Ministers of Defence, Police Affairs, and Interior, as well as the nation’s security chiefs.
The meeting, convened by the National Security Adviser in Abuja, was aimed at strategizing on combating the escalating security threats in the Northern region.
Expressing deep concern over the prevailing security situation, Inuwa Yahaya reiterated the commitment of Northern Governors to work closely with security agencies in seeking enduring solutions.
He stressed the need for exploring alternative approaches to achieve better results in combatting security challenges.
According to him, “In view of the security situation across the North, we are increasingly concerned and recognize the necessity to deliberate, review, and consider alternative options to improve outcomes.”
The NSGF Chairman further affirmed the readiness of Northern Governors to complement the kinetic approach advocated by the National Security Adviser with non-kinetic strategies.
He emphasised the importance of combining both approaches to enhance the overall security situation in the country.
He stressed, “We are open to the kinetic approach proposed by the NSA. Our deliberation with key stakeholders in the security sector has been productive. While acknowledging their commendable efforts, we recognize the need to adopt a different approach, particularly by integrating non-kinetic methods.”
He emphasised the determination of northern governors to continue working closely with relevant stakeholders to explore innovative strategies and implement effective measures that will help restore peace and stability in the region and across Nigeria as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General, (Press Affairs) Government House, Gombe.
