Borno State government wants to recruit more than 5,000 young men and women to work with troops and other security operatives to ‘eliminate’ remaining insurgents.

The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) Command in Borno State in northeastern Nigeria is screening more than 1,000 youths – men and women – to join the government-backed militia in its fight against remaining insurgents.

Successful candidates will take part in counterinsurgency operations against the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād (JAS), more commonly referred to as Boko Haram, and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

They will receive a monthly stipend and will be expected to work with locals to gather intelligence about insurgents, their operations and their hideouts.

They will also be responsible for protecting innocent civilians, particularly farmers on their lands on the outskirts of town.

They will support the military and other security operatives to put an end to the ongoing insurgency.

Alhaji Mustapha Bukar, the public relations officer of the CJTF, Borno State Command, told RNI that screening officially commenced on Thursday, October 24.

He said the Borno State government gave its approval for 1,270 young people to undergo screening and aptitude tests. The successful candidates will become full-time members of the CJTF and receive a monthly stipend.

“The Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, summoned the leadership of the CJTF and ordered them to start recruiting at least 1,270 youths who were already volunteering in the fight against the insurgency across the state.

“The successful candidates will be recognised as full members of the CJTF and placed on the government’s payroll.

“The screening process began on Thursday, October 24, at the office of the Department of State Services [DSS] in Maiduguri. All the candidates were fully documented: they were required to give their name, their hometown, their guarantor, and the name of their traditional ruler or community leader. A photograph was submitted and a full background check was conducted.

“Each candidate had to take an aptitude test during the screening process.”

Bukar said this cohort was just the first and more screenings would follow.

“The leadership of the Command is preparing to recruit more than 5,000 into the CJTF. Forms have already been printed,” he said.

“The recruitment of new members into the CJTF is timely as the military and other security operatives are pushing hard to eliminate the remnants of the terrorists. The CJTF has intensified counterinsurgency operations across the state and other parts of the country.”

Hamsatu Abdullahi has been volunteering for the CJTF for months.

She told RNI that she was determined to become a permanent member.

“I have been working as a volunteer in the fight against the insurgency. When I heard that the state was recruiting, I immediately came forward. As a young woman, I want to play a part in bringing peace to Borno State.

“My greatest desire is to fight for my beloved state and serve the fatherland [Nigeria].

“I want to be one of those who are working for the liberation of our people from the shackles of the insurgents who have killed thousands of innocent people and displaced millions. May Allah guide and protect me to serve my dear state and country to the best of my ability.”

Hassan Adamu said he had been working as a volunteer at the CJTF’s Sector 4 in Maiduguri but that he had always wanted to become a full member of the task force.

“I have already completed the screening process at the DSS office where I was thoroughly investigated. They did a background check. They wanted to know where I came from and who my friends are. I gave them key information and details on my personal life and two photographs.

“I want to become a full member of the CJTF to fight for my dear state. Insurgents have killed people I loved the most, including my beloved parents, brothers and sisters. They have also killed other relatives and friends. And, of course, they are responsible for displacing millions of people across the state.

“I believe it is the right time to eliminate what is left of the insurgents so that they will not be able to cause more harm. Enough innocent people have died in this ongoing fight. I am very grateful to have been shortlisted during the screening process. Now I hope to become a permanent member of the CJTF and serve the state and my country.”

• The CJTF was founded in Maiduguri in response to the “Boko Haram insurgency” which began in Borno State in Nigeria’s northeast in 2009.

The task force comprises mainly locals who are familiar with the terrain and the communities they protect. The receive training and work alongside the Nigerian military and other security forces, participating in search-and-rescue operations and engaging in direct combat against insurgents.

The task force is structured to include various units responsible for different operational tasks.

1. Intelligence gathering: CJTF members provide crucial intelligence on the movements and activities of insurgent groups, including when attacks are likely;

2. Community protection: Members conduct patrols and maintain a presence in vulnerable communities to deter insurgent attacks and provide security for local populations;

3. Support military operations: Members assist the Nigerian military in various operations, including raids, clearance operations and checkpoints. They provide logistical support and help to expose insurgent hideouts; and

4. Humanitarian assistance: The CJTF has been involved in providing humanitarian aid to displaced persons and affected communities, including distributing food and medical supplies.

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO