Insecurity: Zamfara approves recruitment of 4,200 civilian JTF

• The decision to recruit civilian JTF members was a key focus of discussion during the State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Dauda Lawal
• The meeting emphasized the government’s dedication to enhancing educational opportunities by approving the construction of new classrooms, renovation, and equipping of existing schools across the 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State

The Zamfara State Executive Council has granted approval for the recruitment of 4,200 individuals to join the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) as a measure to enhance security efforts and combat insecurity within the state.

This decision regarding the recruitment of civilian JTF members was a focal point of discussion during the State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Dauda Lawal on Tuesday, as outlined in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.

The statement further highlighted that the meeting also gave the green light for the construction of new classrooms and the refurbishment and equipping of schools, demonstrating the government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities.

Governor Lawal has steadfastly maintained his position of not engaging in negotiations with bandits but instead providing support to security agencies in their mission to eradicate banditry and various criminal activities within the state.

“While presiding over the State Executive Council meeting, the governor also approved the construction of new sets of classrooms, renovation and furnishing of existing ones across the 14 Local Government Areas of the state.

“Members of the State Executive Council deliberated on the insecurity and deteriorating condition of educational facilities in the state, hence, approved the recruitment of civilian JTF to complement efforts of the military and the police.

“Three hundred civilian JTF will be recruited in each local government area of the State.

“The recruits will undergo rigorous physical training that will prepare them to assist the security agencies with actionable intelligence to combat insecurity.”

It added, “Furthermore, the council approved the construction of additional classrooms in each local government area, providing students with increased opportunities for education.

“Governor Lawal believes that education is a fundamental right for all citizens and his government is committed to ensuring that every Zamfara child has access to quality education.

The civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) is a strategy embraced by states affected by conflict in the North-East and North-West regions to address challenges posed by Boko Haram militants and bandits. It entails the engagement of civilian volunteers who collaborate with regular armed forces on the front lines to bolster security efforts.