The Northern Governors have inaugurated the Board of Trustees of the Northern Security Trust Fund (NSTF), marking a significant regional initiative aimed at strengthening efforts to tackle insecurity across Northern Nigeria.
As part of the initiative, the governors pledged a collective monthly contribution of ₦1 billion to support intelligence gathering, logistics, security interventions, and other strategic measures designed to improve safety and stability across the region.
The newly inaugurated Board of Trustees is co-chaired by Alhaji Mahmoud Yayale Ahmed, CFR, and General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), CFR, both of whom are expected to provide strategic leadership for the fund.
The board comprises eminent retired military officers, senior police officers, public administrators, and security experts drawn from the 19 Northern states.
Among the appointees are former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Umar Farouk Yahaya (rtd); former Inspector General of Police IGP Usman Alkali Baba (rtd); former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, CFR; Maj. Gen. A.M. Dikko (rtd), National Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons; Prof. Usman Tar, Commissioner for Security in Borno State; and several other distinguished retired security chiefs and public servants.
Other members include retired Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Assistant Inspectors General of Police, Air Vice Marshals, Major Generals, former Heads of Service, and senior customs officers with extensive experience in national security and public administration.
The establishment of the Northern Security Trust Fund is expected to enhance collaboration between state governments, security agencies, and critical stakeholders by providing sustainable funding for security operations, capacity building, intelligence support, and community-based initiatives aimed at addressing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other emerging security threats across Northern Nigeria.
The initiative reflects the commitment of Northern Governors to adopt a coordinated, well-funded, and sustainable approach to restoring peace and improving security throughout the region.
