Regional Plan Targets Banditry and Insurgency with Federal Support

The Northern Governors’ Forum, meeting in Kaduna on July 13, 2025, proposed a regional security task force to combat escalating banditry and insurgency across Nigeria’s 19 northern states. Led by Katsina Governor Dikko Radda, the governors sought federal funding to establish a coordinated unit to enhance intelligence sharing and response times. Recent attacks in Zamfara and Borno, displacing thousands, underscored the urgency of the proposal. Radda highlighted poverty and unemployment as root causes, urging community-based solutions alongside security measures. 

The forum called for federal deployment of advanced technology, such as drones, to bolster surveillance. Security experts praised the initiative, noting that regional collaboration could address gaps in national efforts. However, funding and bureaucratic challenges remain hurdles, with southern leaders advocating for similar frameworks in their regions. The Federal Government has yet to commit, though President Tinubu has prioritized security. Public reactions, particularly in affected northern states, reflect hope tempered by skepticism, given past unfulfilled promises.

The proposal has sparked nationwide discussions on security, with stakeholders urging swift action to curb violence that has hampered economic growth and displaced millions. The task force could redefine Nigeria’s approach to regional security, influencing national policy and public safety.