The Northern States Governors’ Forum declared on Monday that the security situation in northern Nigeria had shown measurable improvement. Forum chairman and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya made the statement during a closed-door meeting at the Gombe State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said the governors noted progress since their last meeting in December 2025.
“Today, I am encouraged to note that through our collective efforts and the support of the Federal Government, the security situation across parts of Northern Nigeria has shown measurable improvement,” he stated. However, he added that no room existed for complacency.
Terrorist groups continued to launch deadly operations in recent weeks. Islamic State West Africa Province fighters carried out coordinated attacks on military camps in Borno and Yobe states during March. Reports indicated that militants killed dozens of soldiers and overran several bases. In February, attackers struck villages in Kwara State and killed more than 160 residents in one incident.
Banditry and killings also persisted in the northwest and other areas. Security analysts recorded hundreds of deaths linked to violence across the north in early 2026. These incidents occurred even as the governors highlighted gains from joint operations and improved intelligence.
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya commended the unified actions of member states and the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The forum pledged to sustain and intensify efforts to neutralise emerging threats.
“The Forum acknowledges and commends the unified efforts of member states in addressing the numerous security and developmental challenges facing the region, noting that these efforts are already producing positive outcomes,” the communique stated.
The governors urged Nigerians to support the armed forces and security agencies. They also reiterated calls for stronger collaboration and institutional reforms, including the establishment of state police.
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya stressed the need to build on recorded gains. The Northern States Governors’ Forum resolved to maintain synergy with federal authorities to address evolving threats. Officials noted that coordinated military operations had eliminated several high-profile bandit and terrorist leaders in previous months.
The meeting ended with a commitment to enhance regional coordination. The governors planned further steps to consolidate progress while tackling root causes such as poverty and farmer-herder clashes.
