Northern Leaders Urged to Take Concrete Action Against Insecurity at Dutse Meeting

Dutse, Nigeria 🇳🇬  June 14, 2026

Northern leaders, traditional rulers and security stakeholders have been urged to move beyond discussions and adopt practical measures to tackle the growing challenges of insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment across the region.

The call was made on Monday during the meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council held in Dutse, Jigawa State, where governors, traditional rulers, security chiefs and representatives of the Federal Government gathered to deliberate on issues affecting Northern Nigeria under the theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of Northern Nigeria.”

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the region, describing banditry, insurgency, communal clashes and farmer-herder conflicts as major threats to peace and development.

According to him, persistent insecurity has continued to weaken social cohesion, disrupt economic activities and hinder progress across many parts of Northern Nigeria.

He stressed that meaningful development cannot be achieved without security and unity, adding that leaders must take decisive steps to address the underlying causes of instability.

The governor linked the security crisis to widespread poverty, youth unemployment and poor educational outcomes, noting that millions of people in the region live in multidimensional poverty while a large percentage of Nigeria’s out-of-school children are concentrated in the North.

He argued that the situation has created opportunities for criminal groups and violent extremists to recruit vulnerable youths.

To address the challenges, Inuwa Yahaya advocated reforms including the establishment of state police, increased investment in education and skills acquisition, job creation programmes, agricultural development and stronger support for security agencies.

He also challenged leaders in the region to ensure that resolutions reached at various meetings translate into concrete actions capable of improving the lives of citizens.

The meeting also observed a moment of reflection over the recent killing of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina State. Participants described the incident as another indication of the urgent need for stronger security measures across the country.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya further called on traditional rulers to strengthen community vigilance and support intelligence gathering efforts, describing them as critical partners in maintaining peace and security at the grassroots level.

Earlier, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State highlighted several challenges confronting Northern Nigeria, including poverty, youth unemployment, drug abuse, climate-related pressures, declining social values and recurring farmer-herder conflicts.

He acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to improve security through enhanced military operations and intelligence coordination, while emphasizing the need for greater collaboration among states in the region.

Representatives of the Federal Government and security agencies also reiterated their commitment to addressing security concerns and promoting development across Northern Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government was implementing interventions in agriculture, education, economic empowerment and social inclusion to address both the immediate and root causes of insecurity.

Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, called for greater cooperation among leaders and citizens in confronting the region's challenges. He emphasized the need for reflection, unity and collective responsibility in efforts aimed at securing lasting peace and sustainable development across Northern Nigeria.