In a rare show of consensus across regional and political divides, seven prominent stakeholders from the North have thrown their weight behind Southern Kaduna leaders in support of former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume’s call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain and further empower Nigeria’s service chiefs.

The stakeholders include: Alhaji Musa Danlami (Kano), Hajia Zainab Abdullahi (Katsina), Alhaji Usman Bello (Sokoto), Hon. Ibrahim Shehu (Bauchi), Dr. Kabiru Mohammed (Zamfara), Mallam Sani Abdulkadir (Kebbi), and Barr. Aisha Abdullahi (Borno). They lauded Ndume’s ‘TEAM’ initiative, which emphasises Training, Equipment, Ammunition, and Motivation as key pillars to sustaining the current momentum against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

In a communiqué issued on Tuesday, the group expressed confidence in the leadership of National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. They described the current security architecture as “the most professional and balanced” Nigeria has witnessed in recent years.

“Today, the security atmosphere is far better than in the past eight years. Farmers are returning to their fields, markets are reviving, and confidence is gradually returning to the North,” the communiqué stated.

The stakeholders also warned against what they termed “politicisation of security,” accusing some opposition elements of using insecurity as a campaign tool ahead of the 2027 elections – a move they likened to the strategy deployed during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, following the removal of the late General Andrew Azazi.

The Kaduna State Government aligned with the stakeholders’ position, warning that security matters shouldn’t be politicised for self-interest. This was contained in a separate statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna by Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai, Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Governor Uba Sani. He said despite numerous challenges, the service chiefs have recorded significant successes that should not be overlooked.

 “From Birnin Gwari to Giwa, Katsina to Southern Kaduna, Chikun to Kajuru – life and business have improved significantly. Farming has resumed, local markets are vibrant, and people can travel with greater confidence. Those demanding their removal are either blind to these gains or are deliberately ignoring them for political reasons,” Bobai said.

He also urged the Federal Government to consider border fencing as part of a long-term national security strategy, while also recommending increased investment in equipment, training, and frontline troop welfare.

Ndume, who chairs the Senate Committee on Army, had earlier cautioned that sustained attacks on the Service Chiefs could affect troop morale, especially at a time when welfare issues are still being addressed. He praised Tinubu for maintaining an ethno-religious balance in security appointments, calling it a refreshing shift from the practices of the previous administration.

With their united stance, the core Northern stakeholders, Ndume, and Southern Kaduna leaders are calling for continuity, professionalism, and depoliticisation of security – reinforcing a national message that Nigeria’s stability depends on unity and sustained support for the service chiefs.