The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council have called for a six-month suspension of all mining activities across Northern Nigeria to combat escalating insecurity.

At a meeting held on Monday in Kaduna, the leaders said illegal and artisanal mining is fueling criminal networks, financing banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings across the region. They proposed that during the suspension period, all mining licences should undergo full audit and revalidation in collaboration with state governments.

The governors also announced the creation of a regional Security Trust Fund, with contributions totaling ₦1 billion monthly from the 19 northern states and their local governments to strengthen coordinated security operations. In addition, they reaffirmed support for the establishment of a State Police, citing the need for more localized and responsive policing.

The decision comes amid growing security challenges, including mass abductions and attacks on communities in northern states. Leaders hope that the suspension of mining and strengthened security measures will disrupt the funding and logistics of armed groups, thereby reducing violence and instability.