ACF backs Northern Security Trust Fund, says it’s strong step against insecurity

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has commended the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) for establishing the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, describing it as a “landmark initiative” aimed at strengthening efforts against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the region.

In a statement signed by the chairman of its Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu, on Friday, the forum said the Trust Fund reflected the governors’ recognition that addressing insecurity required collective action, innovation and sustained commitment alongside the efforts of the federal government and security agencies.

The ACF described the initiative as “one of the most significant regional interventions in recent years, noting that Northern Nigeria had suffered years of violence that disrupted agriculture, commerce and peaceful coexistence.”

According to the forum, restoring security remained the foundation for economic recovery, social progress and sustainable development in the region.

It expressed confidence that the Trust Fund would provide additional resources to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, logistics, communications, technology-driven security operations, community-based security initiatives and support for victims of violence.

The Forum also congratulated members of the Board of the Trust Fund, expressing confidence in their ability to provide credible leadership.

It said the credibility of the Fund would depend on professionalism, transparency, accountability and sound corporate governance capable of attracting support from governments, development partners, the private sector and the public.

The ACF urged the northern governors to sustain the political will behind the initiative and ensure the Fund remained focused on its core objective of restoring peace, protecting lives and creating an environment conducive to development.

The Forum reaffirmed its support for all practical efforts aimed at ending insecurity, saying the people of Northern Nigeria deserved to live without fear, return to their farms and businesses, and look to the future with renewed confidence.