Northern Nigerian governors and traditional rulers on Monday called for a six-month suspension of mining activities and the creation of a ₦1 billion monthly regional security fund as part of sweeping measures to confront escalating insecurity across the region.

The resolutions followed an emergency joint meeting held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, where leaders warned that the North is edging toward deeper instability due to worsening banditry, terrorism, and illegal mining.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the Northern Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council said illegal mining has become a major revenue source for criminal groups, fueling violence and undermining security operations.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Ministry of Solid Minerals to halt all mining activities for six months and revalidate existing licences in partnership with state governments.

As part of broader security reforms, the leaders approved the establishment of a Northern Regional Security Trust Fund. Under the proposal, each of the 19 northern states—and their local governments—will contribute ₦1 billion monthly, deducted at source. The operational framework for the fund will be finalised in the coming weeks.

The communiqué also reaffirmed strong support for the creation of state police and called on northern federal and state lawmakers to fast-track the necessary constitutional amendments to make it a reality.

The leaders commended President Tinubu for recent counterterrorism gains, including the rescue of abducted schoolchildren, and pledged sustained support for ongoing military operations targeting insurgent hideouts.

They extended condolences to Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, Borno, and Yobe states over recent killings, abductions, and Boko Haram attacks.

Another joint meeting is expected to be convened soon to review progress on the resolutions.