Gov. Inuwa Yahaya Demands Action on Northern Security Crisis, Says ‘Enough of Empty Meetings’

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has urged political leaders, traditional rulers and security stakeholders across Northern Nigeria to move beyond discussions and adopt practical measures to tackle the region’s worsening security and development challenges.

Speaking on Monday at the meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Dutse, Jigawa State, Mr Yahaya warned that persistent insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment pose a serious threat to the future of Northern Nigeria.

The meeting brought together governors, traditional rulers, security chiefs and representatives of the Federal Government under the theme: “Peace, Unity and Development of Northern Nigeria.”

The governor described the security situation in the region as alarming, citing the continued rise in banditry, insurgency, communal violence and farmer-herder conflicts.

According to him, the growing wave of violence has weakened social cohesion, disrupted livelihoods and slowed economic progress across many northern communities.

“Without security, there can be no unity. Without security and unity, there can be no development,” he said.

Mr Yahaya argued that the roots of insecurity extend beyond criminal activities, linking the crisis to decades of poverty, unemployment and poor access to quality education.

He noted that millions of people in Northern Nigeria remain trapped in multidimensional poverty, while a significant number of the country’s out-of-school children are concentrated in the region.

The governor said the combination of poverty, illiteracy and youth unemployment has created conditions that allow criminal groups and violent extremists to recruit vulnerable young people.

To address the challenges, he called for far-reaching reforms, including the establishment of state police, increased investment in education and skills acquisition, expansion of employment opportunities, revitalisation of agriculture and enhanced support for security agencies.

Mr Yahaya stressed that northern leaders must abandon the culture of endless deliberations without implementation.

“Enough of meetings that do not produce results. Enough of communiqués that are not implemented. Enough of promises that are not followed by action,” he declared.

The NSGF chairman also expressed condolences to the government and people of Katsina State over the killing of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar by bandits, describing the incident as a painful reminder that insecurity affects all segments of society.

“No one is safe until everyone is safe,” he said.

He urged traditional rulers to strengthen community-based intelligence gathering and vigilance efforts, describing them as indispensable partners in maintaining peace and security.

“You are not just ceremonial figures; you are essential partners in security, unity and development,” he told the royal fathers.

In his remarks, the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, highlighted the multiple challenges confronting the North, including insecurity, poverty, youth unemployment, climate-related pressures, drug abuse, farmer-herder clashes and the erosion of societal values.

He acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to combat insecurity through intensified military operations, improved intelligence sharing and collaboration with state governments.

Mr Namadi also cited the recent Northwest Peace and Security Summit in Katsina as an important step toward strengthening regional cooperation.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General Tunji Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to tackling crime and ensuring public safety.

He described the Northern Traditional Rulers Council as a critical institution and emphasised that the stability of Northern Nigeria remains vital to national peace and development.

“We must sustain collaboration to confront emerging security threats on all fronts,” he said.

Representing President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended the Northern Traditional Rulers Council for its longstanding role in promoting peace and community mobilisation.

He said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to address both the immediate and underlying causes of insecurity through interventions in agriculture, education, economic empowerment and social inclusion.

According to him, the development and stability of Northern Nigeria remain central to the nation’s overall growth and prosperity.

Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, welcomed the participation of the NSGF chairman, describing it as a sign of the governors’ commitment to finding lasting solutions to the region’s challenges.

The monarch urged citizens to continue supporting and praying for leaders at all levels, stressing that leadership is a sacred trust that must be exercised with responsibility and accountability.

He also called for reflection and collective action, urging both leaders and citizens to learn from past experiences and work together to build a more peaceful, united and prosperous Northern Nigeria.

Military Rescues Wife of Slain General as Bandits Flee Under Heavy Pressure

By Muhammad Musa

Troops of the Nigerian Army, backed by the Nigerian Air Force, have rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, following a sustained military operation against bandits in Katsina State.

Mrs Abubakar was abducted alongside her husband several weeks ago. Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, was later killed by the abductors, sparking widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger action against criminal groups operating in the region.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced the rescue on Sunday, describing it as the outcome of intensified search-and-rescue efforts by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA.

In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said troops established contact with the bandits during offensive operations around Tunga Village, where pressure mounted on the criminals and eventually forced them to abandon their captors.

According to the statement, the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before fleeing as troops advanced on their position.

“During the encounter, the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing due to the overwhelming pressure from advancing troops,” the statement said.

The military said the rescued victim was immediately evacuated to a military hospital, where she is receiving treatment.

“She is responding positively to treatment, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to ensuring her full recovery while providing all necessary support to her family during this difficult period,” the statement added.

The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its determination to pursue those responsible for the abduction and other acts of violence.

Military authorities said troops would continue ongoing operations to track down the perpetrators and intensify efforts to eliminate terrorist and bandit activities in Katsina State and other troubled parts of the country.

The rescue comes amid renewed military offensives targeting criminal groups across the North-West, where security forces have stepped up coordinated ground and air operations aimed at restoring peace and protecting vulnerable communities.

NPSC Honours Maj.-Gen. Ezugwu, Defence Leaders for Outstanding Service to Nigeria

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The organisers of the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 (NPSC) have honoured the former Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Maj.-General Victor Ezugwu (Retd), along with Minister of Defence and other notable individuals in Nigeria’s security and defence communities for their exceptional contributions to national security, defence development, and governance.

The awards were presented Saturday in Abuja during the conference, which attracted senior government officials, military commanders, lawmakers, security experts and private sector stakeholders from across the country.

Maj.-Gen. Ezugwu received special recognition for the Lifetime Achievement Award for National Service.

He is the first Nigerian to produce a Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicle, the EZUGWU MRAP, which was named in his honour during the tenure of former Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (ret.).

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (Retd), was presented with the Distinguished National Security Leadership Award for his role in strengthening Nigeria’s defence framework and advancing national security initiatives.

Similarly, the director general of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Ajayi, received the Distinguished National Intelligence Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions to intelligence operations, national security coordination, and the protection of Nigeria’s strategic interests.

The director-general of DICON, Maj. Gen. Babatunde Alaya, was honoured with the Defence Industrial Development Award for his role in driving indigenous defence manufacturing, innovation, and industrial expansion.

In the private sector category, the Chief Executive Officer of EPAIL Nigeria Limited, Engr Kola Balogun, received the Private Sector Security Innovation Award for his investments in security technology and his contributions to strategic national development.

Also honoured was Sen. Osita Izunaso, who received the Legislative Leadership for National Security Award in recognition of his efforts to support security-related legislation and governance reforms.

Speaking during the ceremony, the convener of the conference, Mr Charles Awuzie, said the awards were instituted to celebrate individuals and organisations whose leadership and dedication had significantly contributed to Nigeria’s security and development.

According to him, the recipients have distinguished themselves through innovation, public service, professionalism and a commitment to national peace and stability.

“These awards recognise men and women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment in advancing Nigeria’s security architecture and national development goals,” Awuzie said.

The conference, themed “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacity into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture,” provided a platform for discussions on security sector reforms, indigenous defence production, intelligence collaboration, and the role of public-private partnerships in addressing contemporary security challenges.

Participants at the event stressed the need for stronger cooperation between government institutions and private sector actors to build a more resilient and effective national security system capable of responding to emerging threats.