Concerned about the worsening safety and security situation, the group of 19 governors representing the Northern states of Nigeria have called an urgent meeting to take place on November 29, 2025, in Kaduna State. This crucial assembly follows closely after a similar gathering of South-West governors held earlier in the week at the Oyo State Governor’s Office in Ibadan.
The South-West governors, in their meeting, reached a consensus on the necessity of creating state-level police forces to effectively combat the increasing number of bandit attacks and other criminal activities plaguing the region.
Peter Ahemba, a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, confirmed the Northern governors’ planned meeting. Speaking to our correspondent in Lafia, the state capital, Ahemba highlighted the growing alarm over the recent closures of schools due to security concerns.
Ahemba clarified that the purpose of the Northern governors’ meeting is to carefully examine and determine definitive actions to counter the escalating issues of kidnapping, banditry, and other security risks impacting the Northern zone.
The Northern region has recently experienced a surge in attacks targeting educational institutions, prompting several state governments to temporarily shut down schools to protect students and staff.
In a recent incident, armed assailants raided the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, resulting in the abduction of at least 24 female students and the tragic death of the vice principal.
Shortly after this attack, gunmen struck St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, seizing over 300 students and staff. While approximately 50 students managed to escape, the situation remains dire.
Speaking to The PUNCH newspaper, Governor Sule’s aide, Ahemba, stated, “The Northern Governors have scheduled a meeting for Kaduna on November 29 to address the rising levels of insecurity in various areas of the country, particularly within the northern region.
“Therefore, the meeting aims to consider and decide upon specific measures to address the growing problem of kidnapping, banditry, and other security threats in certain parts of the country.”
Ahemba further explained, “For Nasarawa State, His Excellency, the Governor, who also serves as the Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, had to interrupt his attendance at the G20 Summit in South Africa to return immediately and address the security challenges affecting several states in the northern part of the country.”
He continued, “In light of this, His Excellency convened another emergency security meeting this afternoon, Monday, November 24, 2025. The meeting focused on strategies to prevent the escalation of insecurity, bandit activity witnessed in some regions, and on strengthening surveillance efforts and enhancing support for security agencies to effectively handle any potential situation that may arise.
“So far, significant progress has been made, and these are the ongoing efforts by both the Northern Governors Forum and the Nasarawa State government.”
Responding to inquiries about the measures being implemented to address insecurity in the state, Ahemba assured, “I can guarantee that all necessary precautions are being taken. The government is on high alert. Security agencies are on high alert due to the circumstances in the surrounding areas. Therefore, the government is actively working, and I assure you that the security agencies are well-prepared to respond effectively.”
In a related development, the South-West governors, following their meeting focused on enhancing security in their region, urged the Federal Government to promptly secure the forests located across the region and extensive forest areas that have become havens for criminal elements.
The governors personally in attendance were Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), except Ademola Adeleke of Osun state, who was represented by his deputy.
After the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu shared the communique, explaining that the forum had assessed the current security situation in the region and reiterated their support for the creation of state police forces, stressing that “The time is now and it can no longer be delayed.’’
The governors also called on all South-West residents to remain united and committed to maintaining the peace that currently exists in the region, emphasizing that “We remain one, a united entity that will continue to cherish and safeguard the religious tolerance for which we have always been known.”
“The forum recognizes President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in combating insecurity and his various economic reforms and development initiatives. The forum expresses solidarity with the Federal Government in its response to the recent kidnappings in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States, specifically at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, the Catholic institution of St. Mary’s in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger, and the CAC Church at Eruku, Kwara State.
“The forum praises the Federal Government’s swift action in rescuing the Kwara abductees and over 51 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. The forum reviewed the current state of security in our region and took some decisions to ensure the security of the lives and property of our people.
‘’South West Regional Security Fund: The forum agreed to set up a South West Security Fund under DAWN Commission to be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South West States.
“Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform: The forum resolves to establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform among all six South West states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti). This platform will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts and coordinate state-to-state rapid response.”
Regarding forest surveillance, the governors commended the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Hunters, Amotekun Corps members, and all other security agencies.
“The Forum implores the Federal Government to recognize the pressing need for increased forest surveillance across the South West States and to secure the extensive forest areas that have become hideouts for criminal elements.
“To this end, the forum agrees that the Federal Government should help deploy Forest Guards across the South West states, with each State Government responsible for providing the required personnel.”
The governors reaffirmed their shared determination to reclaim the forests and ensure that these areas no longer serve as safe havens for banditry, kidnapping, or any other form of illegal activity.
They further stated, “Regarding interstate migration, the forum expresses significant concern over the unregulated interstate migration, which continues to pose substantial challenges across the South-West. The forum calls for stricter border controls, improved data collection, self-identification and for each South West State to work with the National Identity Management Commission for proper identification.
“The Forum agrees to intensify security collaboration to ensure that interstate migration does not become a conduit for insecurity. Illegal Mining Activities: The forum expresses deep concern over the escalating illegal mining activities across the South-West States, which continue to threaten environmental safety, public health and regional security. The forum calls for a comprehensive and enforceable licensing framework, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and strict enforcement actions against violators who may perpetrate violent crimes under the guise of mining.”
Okay, here are paraphrased versions of the provided texts, using more general synonyms and maintaining the original language:
Agriculture, Food Security, and Climate Resilience:
“Regarding farming, food supply, and adapting to climate change, the forum acknowledges and values the efforts of the National Government in ensuring enough food is available. It specifically praises the various farmers in the area for increasing agricultural production, leading to stable and lower food costs.”
Plateau State Security Plan:
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang is preparing to release a full strategy to deal with the insecurity situation in the state, according to his Advisor on Policy and Governance, Yiljap Abraham.
This development happens as the security problems in the state get worse, which caused the government to close schools to prevent attacks.
Abraham, speaking with The PUNCH in Jos on Monday night, said that the governor has been working with security leaders to improve security in the state, but he did not give a specific date for when the plan will be announced.
“We must wait for him to do so. We thought it would be revealed today, but other matters needed his attention,” Abraham said.
However, he assured that Plateau is working together with other states and the National Government to deal with the security problems.
“Plateau State is not working alone. It is working with other states and will keep working closely with the national government to deal with the security challenge facing the state,” Abraham emphasized.
Kebbi State Security Summits:
To deal with the security situation in the state, the Kebbi State Government said it has held several security meetings to improve security.
The Governor’s Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, noted, “We held a security meeting where all the traditional leaders from the Northern area came together for about three days.
“We also hosted one a few weeks ago when Northern broadcasters spent about three days discussing security issues.’’
Kano State Security Measures:
Speaking with our reporter, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s spokesperson, Mustapha Muhammad, said Kano State is taking its own strong steps to improve security within the state, including improving the transportation and effectiveness of security forces.
According to him, Governor Yusuf recently approved giving 10 vehicles and 50 motorcycles to the Joint Task Force working in affected areas experiencing some insecurity.
This, he said, was meant to improve response times and help coordinate security operations in Kiru, Tsanyawa, Kunchi, Ghari, Shanono, Tudun Wada, and Doguwa Local Government Areas.
Bauchi State School Closures:
To prevent the kidnapping of students, the Bauchi State Government has announced the immediate closure of all schools across the state due to increased security concerns.
The order affects all schools, including government-owned and private schools operating within the state.
This was in a statement released on Sunday by the Information and Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, Jalaludeen Usman.
According to him, the decision was made after a lot of discussion and because of serious security concerns affecting the safety of students, teachers, and school communities across the state.
He stated, “This decision, though difficult, was taken by the Government of Bauchi State after a lot of discussion and in response to great security concerns. The government understands the trouble this may cause. However, protecting our children is our most important moral duty. Every student in Bauchi State deserves to learn in a safe environment.”
Usman asked parents, guardians, school owners, and others to stay calm, adding that efforts were being made to improve the situation.
“We ask parents, guardians, school owners, and everyone involved not to worry, but to stay calm and helpful. The government is working with security forces to quickly and fully deal with the concerns, ensuring that normal school activities start again as soon as it is safe to do so,” he said.
The ministry also asked residents to be alert and report suspicious activity. “If you see something, say something. Quick information from the public is important in protecting our communities,” he added.
Usman assured that the government would continue to provide updates as the situation changed.
Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Suspends Activities:
Following the government’s order, the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, has stopped all school activities.
In a memo sent to the Polytechnic community on Monday, Safiyo Yila, on behalf of the school’s Registrar, confirmed the suspension.
The memo, sent to all staff and students, said the closure of schools across the state because of security concerns was the reason for the action.
“Following the public announcement by the Bauchi State Government, which ordered the closure of all schools within the state due to security concerns, I am told to inform you that all school activities have been stopped immediately,” the memo read.
Yila also stated that school activities would start again later, which will be told to the Polytechnic community soon.
The memo also asked department heads to ensure everyone followed the order to protect the well-being of staff and students.
Gombe State Intensifies School Security:
Amid growing worries over reports of school kidnappings, the Gombe State Police Command said it has improved security measures around schools across the state.
The increased vigilance follows a meeting held on Monday between the Police Commissioner, Bello Yahaya, and the leaders of the Principals of Secondary Schools in Gombe State.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, the command said the meeting was part of the Inspector-General of Police’s goal “to ensure the safety and security of schools in Nigeria.”
According to the statement, the meeting was held to “check the current security arrangements in schools across Gombe State and find areas to improve, especially in schools in isolated areas or those at risk of security threats.”
Reaffirming the commitment of the Police Force to protecting schools, the Police Commissioner told the school leaders that protecting students remains a top priority.
“Continuous checking, careful planning, and strong cooperation with school authorities and others are important in dealing with new security challenges,” Yahaya said.
The command said that patrols, surveillance, and quick response operations around schools have been increased. “Special focus is being placed on unsafe and isolated locations,” the CP assured.
He emphasized the significance of promptly exchanging information, local law enforcement involvement, and smooth communication between schools, the Education Ministry, and local police departments.
However, in response to the government’s action, the Academic Staff Union of Universities criticized the state governments’ decision to close schools due to bandit attacks.
The union also expressed its dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s lack of action in addressing its pending requests.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Harmattan School of the Nigeria Labour Congress, ASUU’s National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, stated that they have always been unhappy with the Federal Ministry of Education’s claims of fulfilling all their demands, noting a subtle shift in language.
He added that education is under attack from both armed criminals and corrupt officials in government. He suggests that while armed groups pose an immediate threat, leaders are gradually destroying education.
Similarly, the National Union of Teachers’ national president, Titus Amba, warned that they would be forced to strike in schools located in high-risk areas.
He said that schools are under threat and that many states are closing schools as a result. He urged the Federal Government to provide the necessary security for schools, warning that failure to do so would result in the shutdown of schools in volatile areas, as teachers cannot risk their lives while teaching.
Expressing concern about the deteriorating security situation, Amnesty International Nigeria cautioned that the increasing number of mass kidnappings targeting schools could seriously harm educational progress in Northern Nigeria.
Country Director Isa Sanusi stated that the psychological impact of abductions, and the fear of them, will discourage many children from attending school.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Sanusi noted that rising insecurity is causing parents to question the safety of sending their children to school as school kidnappings become more frequent.
He said that the trauma of being abducted, or the fear of it, will prevent thousands of children from receiving an education.
He added that families in rural areas already struggle to keep their children in school due to financial difficulties, and the current security challenges will worsen the situation.
He added that in many rural communities, children are essential to the household, and parents already make sacrifices to send their children to school.
He cautioned that the current situation could deprive an entire generation of the right to education.
He added that with over 12 million children already out of school, the future looks bleak and dangerous.
Weighing in on the worrisome security situation, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said that Nigeria’s ongoing crises stem from a long-standing lack of a shared national identity. He warned that the country continues to operate as a collection of competing groups rather than a unified nation.
Speaking at the inauguration of a joint committee of the NOA and the National Universities Commission to incorporate national values in university curricula, the DG stated that Nigeria is suffering the consequences of failing to cultivate a collective sense of belonging since its independence.
He stated that recent discussions in the US Congress about Nigeria’s instability highlight the consequences of neglecting identity formation for decades.
He said that the need for this is more important than ever, given the challenges facing the country. He noted that at the core of these challenges is the issue of a shared value system.
He mentioned that some have followed the recent debate in the US Congress on Nigeria, where the lack of national identity was emphasized as a reason for Nigeria’s current situation and that it is important to take this issue seriously.
Meanwhile, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently reassess Nigeria’s security strategy following the recent abduction of schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School.
Idris made the appeal while receiving the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who led a federal delegation to Birnin Kebbi to offer condolences to the government and people of the state.
Abbas condemned the abduction, calling it a heartbreaking and unacceptable attack on children.
He stated that the House of Representatives stands firmly with the people of Kebbi State and urged the government to honor the deceased Vice Principal.
He said that Malam Hassan Makuku died protecting the children and that his sacrifice must never be forgotten.
He appealed to the governor to honor him so that future generations will know the price he paid.
Abbas announced a donation of N20 million to the family of the late Vice Principal and N10 million to the family of the slain watchman.
He also fervently prayed for the safe return of the kidnapped students, assuring everyone that they would continue their efforts until every girl was back home.
Acknowledging the visit, the governor expressed his gratitude but reiterated that he was still awaiting explanations from the armed forces regarding the security weaknesses that allowed the assault to happen.
“There is no justification for armed individuals to raid a school and escape without facing resistance. While my earlier statements may have upset some people, I believe it’s my duty to be honest with the citizens of this state. We have provided assistance to all security agencies, so when problems occur, our people are entitled to answers,” the governor stated.
He further commented that the assault was part of a larger danger to Nigeria’s stability.
“Based on recent events, it is evident that adversaries are attempting to destabilize the democracy we currently have. For this reason, I am appealing to President Tinubu to re-evaluate the nation’s security strategy,” he urged.
Idris also agreed to the Speaker’s request to rename the school as a tribute to the deceased Vice Principal.
“Malam Hassan Makuku made the ultimate sacrifice. We will rename the school to preserve his legacy,” he affirmed.
Separately, Christian followers throughout Borno state gathered in Maiduguri on Monday evening to pray against the increasing incidents of attacks on residents throughout the state.
The worshipers, representing various churches in the state, participated in a two-hour session of praise and worship at First Baptist Church in Maiduguri.
The spiritual activity was conducted in accordance with the announcement made by Governor Babagana Zulum on Saturday, when he encouraged followers of all faiths to engage in a voluntary period of prayer and fasting to seek divine assistance regarding the rising level of insecurity in the state and country.
In related news, the Christian Association of Nigeria is planning to hold a five-day religious gathering focused on promoting peace and unity in Plateau State.
The event, titled “Jos Jesus Crusade,” is scheduled to take place from December 17th to 21st, 2025, at St. John’s College, near the Polo Field, Jos.
During a press briefing in Jos on Monday, CAN Chairman, Rev Dunka Gomwalk, stressed the importance of Christians uniting and praying for the nation’s peace and unity.
