By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has commended the Northern States Governors’ Forum for establishing the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, describing it as a landmark regional initiative to strengthen the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the North.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Bashir M. Dalhatu, the ACF said the initiative demonstrated the governors’ recognition that the security challenges confronting the region required collective action, innovative strategies and sustained commitment to complement the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies.
The Forum described the Trust Fund as one of the most significant regional interventions in recent years, noting that restoring peace and security remained the foundation for economic recovery, social progress and sustainable development in Northern Nigeria.
According to the ACF, the North, once known for peaceful communities, thriving agriculture and vibrant commerce, has suffered years of violence orchestrated by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other armed criminal groups. The Forum expressed optimism that, if effectively managed and adequately funded, the Trust Fund would provide critical financial support for intelligence gathering, surveillance, logistics, communications, technological innovation, community-based security initiatives, victim support programmes and other strategic interventions to enhance ongoing security operations.
