Sultan of Sokoto Urges Unity Among Northern States to Tackle Insecurity

Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has raised serious concerns over the escalating insecurity in Northern Nigeria, calling for greater unity and coordinated action among Northern states to address the deepening crisis.

Speaking at a joint meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council and the Northern States Governors Forum held in Kaduna, the Sultan described the current state of instability as a tipping point that demands immediate and collective response.

“Insecurity remains one of the region’s most urgent problems. It is time for Northern states to come together and tackle this challenge head-on,” the Sultan urged.

The Sultan emphasized that collaboration between Northern states is essential to overcoming the region’s shared difficulties—from terrorism and banditry to poverty and social unrest.

“Working in isolation will not get us the results we need. By standing together, we can withstand setbacks and build a more secure future for our people,” he said.

He further stressed that addressing poverty, youth unemployment, and social dislocation—particularly among the Almajiri population—must be part of a long-term strategy to achieve peace, stability, and national unity.

The high-level meeting drew participation from several state governors, including Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who chairs the Northern States Governors Forum.

Governor Yahaya highlighted the Almajiri phenomenon and youth joblessness as core issues that feed into the security crisis. He called for concrete interventions, not just policy talk.

“We need real action—more security presence, stronger education systems, and job creation strategies that target our youth,” he stated.

The forum served as a platform to align traditional and political leadership around a shared vision for security, social inclusion, and regional progress in Northern Nigeria.