ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Zamfara State Executive Council has granted approval for the enlistment of 4,200 civilian members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) to strengthen security efforts and address the issue of insecurity within the state.
During the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Dauda Lawal on Tuesday, the recruitment of the civilian JTF was a prominent topic of discussion, as outlined in a statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.
Furthermore, the council also endorsed initiatives to construct new classrooms, refurbish existing ones, and provide furnishings for schools, underscoring the government’s dedication to expanding educational opportunities.
In a previous report by Punch, Governor Lawal reaffirmed his stance on not negotiating with bandits but rather supporting security agencies in eradicating banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mannir Mu’azu Haidara, revealed on Saturday that the Governor has initiated a strategic plan aimed at steering the state away from years of banditry.
Additionally, the Governor’s priorities include the revitalization of communities scarred by prolonged insecurity and spearheading urban and rural development projects to accelerate recovery.
The statement by the Governor’s spokesperson on the recruitment of civilian JTF reads, “In his commitment to curb the lingering insecurity, Governor Dauda Lawal approved the recruitment of civilian JTF in all the Local Government Areas of the state.
READ ALSO: Why Zamfara Residents Kidnapped Terrorists’ Wives – Report
“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 government will construct, renovate and furnish 49 classrooms in Gusau, 11 in Anka, 15 in Bakura, eight in Bukkuyum, 14 in Birnin Magaji, eight in Bungudu, eight in Gummi, 19 in Kaura, eight in Maru, 11 in Maradun, 42 in Shinkafi, eight in Talata Mafara, 27 in Tsafe, and 11 in Zurmi Local Government Areas.”
The civilian JTF is an initiative adopted by the conflict-ridden states in the North-East and North-West to contend with the Boko Haram terrorists and bandits.
It involves engagement of civilian volunteers who work side by side with the regular armed forces deployed in the battlefields to enhance security.