The Nigerian Governors’ Forum has called for the recruitment of additional security personnel and the adoption of technology-driven strategies to address rising cases of killings and violence across the country.
This resolution was made public after the Forum’s meeting in Abuja, chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The communiqué was read by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who revealed that a committee has been established to work closely with security agency leaders on developing a coordinated approach to the ongoing crisis.
The decision follows a series of violent attacks, including one in Benue State’s Katsina-Ala Local Government Area on March 9, which reportedly left at least 15 people dead.
More recently, on April 14, an assault in Zike hamlet, Bassa LGA of Plateau State, claimed 52 lives, including an entire family, and resulted in widespread property damage.
In response, the governors stressed the need for immediate action. They were briefed by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, who proposed a new security model focused on enhancing early threat detection and coordinated response through the use of advanced technology.
The plan includes phased deployment of surveillance tools and crisis management infrastructure.
The governors expressed their support for the plan and emphasized the necessity of innovative solutions to meet emerging security threats.
A subcommittee has now been tasked with working alongside security chiefs to formulate short-term interventions.
In addition to security, the Forum also received a briefing from Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who presented proposals aimed at reforming land administration through a federal-state partnership.
The reform, part of the Renewed Hope Programme, seeks to improve land registration, formalize ownership, and boost states’ internally generated revenue.
Governors welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to stimulate investment, improve city planning, and create new revenue opportunities from land assets.
Also discussed at the meeting was a proposal for a strategic alliance with Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited.
Governor Uzodimma explained that under the proposal, the company would take over operations in certain electricity distribution companies, introduce smart grid systems, and set up a local meter manufacturing plant.
The project is aimed at improving electricity distribution, supporting job creation, and helping states shed long-standing liabilities in the power sector.
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani emphasized the urgent need to establish state police as part of broader constitutional reforms.
Speaking to the media, he dismissed suggestions that governors should be blamed for the rising insecurity, stressing that their powers are limited under the current constitutional framework.
Governor Sani noted that since assuming office, his administration has maintained peace in Kaduna by fostering inclusiveness and discouraging religious and ethnic divisions.
He urged both state and federal authorities to address insecurity holistically and warned against allowing divisive actors to exploit the nation’s challenges for personal or political gain.
He also commended the meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, calling it a critical step toward greater collaboration between security agencies and state governments.