The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has reaffirmed its commitment to the establishment of state police being championed by the federal government, this is as Nigeria soldiers killed up to 38 terrorists in Borno state.
The Forum also acknowledged and commended the unified efforts of member states at addressing numerous security and developmental challenges facing the region.
…Govs’ initiative
The initiative is coming amid various attacks in Plateau, Zamfara and Kaduna states, even as troops felled some terrorists in Borno state.
Speaking with newsmen after a closed door meeting of the NSGF which held Monday in Abuja, chairman of the Forum and Gombe state governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the governors had agreed to ramp up financial commitments to a multi-billion-naira regional security fund.
According to him, the nature of modern security threats requires localised, intelligence-driven responses.
In a communiqué he read after the meeting, Governor Yahaya said: “The Forum reaffirms its steadfast commitment to continuing its support for the Federal Government, under the able leadership of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, GCFR, in effectively countering evolving security threats.
“The Forum is dedicated to ensuring that lasting peace and security are firmly established throughout the region and the entire country. The Forum also appeals to all Nigerians to support the President, our armed forces and other security agencies, in the critical national assignment of securing Nigeria.
“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. Furthermore, the Forum reaffirms its resolute commitment to maintaining and enhancing these collaborative actions in order to build upon the progress achieved.
“The Forum applauds the ongoing efforts towards institutional strengthening and restructuring and reaffirmed its readiness to ensure that the NSGF is put on a solid foundation, one that enhances coordination, ensures continuity, and improves the capacity of Northern States for strategic engagement and policy implementation. To this end, the Forum further resolved to fully support digitisation initiatives of its Secretariat, headed by the Director-General.
“To determine and appropriately tap from the region’s taxable revenue, the Forum agreed to engage relevant consultants to work out modalities, using all available opportunities for the consideration of the Forum.
“The Forum resolved to continue its engagement with the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer on the establishment of New Nigeria Energy Company (NNEC) to facilitate the implementation of the Sun Africa Project,” the governors added.
The meeting had in attendance: Borno state governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, Yobe state Governor Mai Mala Buni, Nasarawa state Governor Abdullahi Sule, Niger state Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, Kogi state Governor Usman Ododo and that of Kano state, Kabir Yusuf, among others.
…Troops kill 38 insurgents in Borno
In a related development, troops of Operation “HADIN KAI” have repelled an attack by ISWAP terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mandaragirau, Sector 2 in Borno state, killing 38 insurgents.
A statement issued by Sani Uba, a lieutenant-colonel and media information officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East).
Uba said the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, describing it as a “half-hearted” assault on the FOB.
He said the troops responded with a coordinated offensive-defensive operation, forcing the insurgents into a disorderly retreat.
According to him, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided air support and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) to enhance the precision of strikes.
He added that the troops pursued the fleeing insurgents along their withdrawal routes, inflicting further loss.
“About 38 terrorists were neutralised, with eight bodies recovered within the immediate engagement area.
“Human intelligence from locals confirmed over 30 additional bodies and weapons abandoned along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle,” he said.
Uba said that the claim was corroborated by blood trails and abandoned equipment observed by troops during exploitation.
He said the troops also recovered seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four rocket-propelled grenade bombs and assorted ammunition.
He said the Military High Command had commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience.
He urged them to sustain the operational tempo in the region’s security interests.
… Jos mayhem
However, not less than 33 people have been confirmed killed following random shooting by gunmen Sunday evening at a garden-bar, while a mob also attacked passers-by at Anguwan Rukuba-Eto Baba junction, in Jos North local government area of Plateau state.
An official of the State Red Cross confirmed that “33 People have been killed, and 45 others seriously injured,” all of whom were taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
An eyewitness, Atama Ibrahim, confirmed that the attackers stormed the area about 7:30 pm, and sporadically shot at people, after which they fled the scene.
“They killed 28 Christians, they even killed two Muslims. I don’t know which religion they belong to,” he said.
…48-hr curfew
And in a swift reaction, the state government imposed a 48-hour curfew, according to a release by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Lohya Ramnap.
She said the tragic security incident occurred at Gari Ya Waye community Angwan Rukuba, resulting in the loss of lives, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries, and appealed to residents to remain indoors for 48-hour.
“The Plateau State Government in conjunction with security agencies wishes to inform the general public of the imposition of a 48 hour curfew within Jos North Local government Area with immediate effect, commencing from 12 midnight of 29th March, to 1st April, 2026,” the statement said.
…Mutfwang urges calm
Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, had during a visit to the scene of the attack Monday, urged residents to remain calm.
The governor, who called on the residents not to take the law into their hands, acknowledged the pain from the tragic incident, and assured them that the situation was under control and being monitored by security agents.
He said: “This is a painful thing for all of us, Angwan- Rukuba is a community that harbours every ethnic nationality in Plateau, I personally have relations that have lived in Angwan- Rukuba, therefore, this is a pain to all of us.
“It is not just to a few people, I want to plead with you; please let us not take the laws into our hands, I beg you.
“By the grace of God, all these people will be given a decent burial. We will not allow any mass burial.
“We will make sure that we liaise with the families and give them a decent burial, they didn’t deserve to die like this. Therefore, all that the families will require us to do, we will do it.”
“As for those that are in hospitals, I want you to know that the government will take full responsibility for their medical bills, I am pleading with you, continue to trust us,” Mutfwang said.
…Police confirm Zamfara village attack
In another development, Zamfara state Police Command has confirmed bandits’ attack on Dangoro village under Bungudu local government area on March 28, 2026.
The command’s Public Relations Officer DSP Yazid Abubakar stated this in a statement released to newsmen in Gusau Monday.
According to the statement, the bandits killed three people, injuring several others, including a Community Protection Guard.
The police confirmed that the attackers set houses and grain stores ablaze.
The statement further hinted that already a joint police and vigilante team repelled attack, forcing the criminal elements bandits to flee.
“Five people injured by gunshots, four suffered burns,” DSP Yazid stated.
“The incident occurred around 10:30 PM, with the police responding swiftly to the scene.” DSP Yazid further revealed
The command said the injured persons were receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre Gusau.
…13 killed, several abducted in Kaduna community
Also from Kaduna state, about 13 persons were killed and several others abducted when suspected bandits attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, Kagarko local government area of the state.
The incident, which occurred at about 11:47 p.m. on Sunday, has heightened concerns over persistent attacks on rural communities in the state.
A resident of Kagarko, Shehu Bala, who confirmed the incident on Monday, said the attackers stormed the venue in large numbers, armed with AK-47 rifles, and opened fire on guests.
“The bandits came in large numbers and started shooting inside the hall. Many people were hit, and several others were taken away,” he said.
He added that victims who sustained gunshot injuries were rushed to the General Hospital in Kagarko, while two others with severe injuries were referred to Kaduna for advanced treatment.
“In fact, two of my friends who were inside the hall also sustained bullet injuries during the attack,” he said.
Bala noted that the exact number of those abducted remains unclear due to the chaotic nature of the incident.
“But one cannot ascertain the number of those kidnapped because of the sporadic shooting,” he added.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers operated for nearly one hour without resistance.
“They moved freely, invaded shops and carted away foodstuff, provisions and drugs from a chemist in the community,” he said.
A police source at the Kagarko Division confirmed the incident, noting that security agencies are yet to determine the exact number of abducted persons. (Additional reports from NAN)
