Kaduna to establish trust fund for tackling security challenges

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, says there are plans to establish a security trust fund to confront all emerging and reoccurring security challenges in the state.

Sani spoke on Tuesday at the Kaduna core security council meeting with traditional rulers and local government chairmen of frontline areas.

The governor said his administration is committed to the security and safety of the whole of Kaduna.

“I am happy to inform you that very soon, there will be establishment of some Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in the State. This move will greatly assist the expansion of our campaigns against terrorists and bandits in frontline locations,” he said.

“The Kaduna state government is looking at the possibility of establishing the Kaduna State security trust fund as a means of collaborating with corporate organizations, the business community, industrialists, professional groups, individuals and all critical stakeholders towards enhancing material and logistic support to our security forces.”

The governor commended the “brave efforts” of the security agencies in maintaining peace and containing threats, especially during the festive season.

He also called for a renewed intensity and coordination in tackling emerging security challenges.

“I must thank the security agencies for helping to maintain the peace all through the festive period and into the beginning of the year,” Sani said.

“Kaduna state enjoyed relative peace over this time, with the exception of the unfortunate incident at Tudun Biri, which was eventually managed with dexterity by our esteemed traditional and religious leaders, supported by security forces.

“We are deeply grateful for all the positive steps taken in that regard and in several other key areas.

“The purpose of this meeting is to brainstorm on the situations in certain areas of interest, notably Kauru, Kajuru, Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Chikun, Kachia, Kagarko and the Kaduna-Abuja Road.

“There was security on the Kaduna-Abuja Road for about 18 months, until the sudden unfortunate and disturbing attack and kidnapping.

“The recent occurrences on that axis clearly indicate the re-opening of a front on that route, and this points us strongly to the need for renewed focus and coordination.

“On the side of security agencies, and in light of the challenges we are confronting, I must state that it has become vital for us to further close ranks, rub minds and revisit our collaborative structures.

“Deepening and strengthening of human intelligence networks is an obvious area requiring urgent review, towards restoring peace and security along these critical highways, and to the troubled communities.”