In a significant move to bolster security efforts, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has announced a substantial increase in the monthly allowances for volunteers serving under the Borno Youth Empowerment Scheme. This initiative, widely known as the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Vigilantes Hunters, and Neighbourhood Watch, plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and safety across the state.
Details of the Allowance Increase
Governor Zulum approved the upward review of monthly allowances for each volunteer from ₦30,000 to ₦50,000, marking a notable boost in financial support. Additionally, leaders of these volunteer groups will now receive ₦150,000 each per month. According to Dauda Iliya, the special adviser to the governor on media, this adjustment reflects the administration's commitment to recognizing and rewarding those who risk their lives daily to safeguard communities and restore peace in Borno State.
The revised monthly expenditure for this initiative amounts to ₦232.4 million, and volunteers have already started receiving alerts for the increased allowances. Governor Zulum emphasized that this move is part of his broader strategy to enhance community safety and provide sustainable support to security operatives who work tirelessly on the front lines.
Citizen Reactions and Broader Implications
The announcement has sparked widespread jubilation and positive reactions from Nigerians, particularly residents of Borno State. Many citizens have taken to social media and other platforms to commend Governor Zulum for his proactive approach to security and welfare. For instance, Suleiman Aliyu praised the governor, stating that the approval will significantly reduce begging among volunteers, promote sustainability, and deter engagement in social vices, thereby contributing to relative stability in the area's security.
Other reactions included calls for broader financial reviews, such as from Aliyu Abdulmalik, who urged the governor to also increase allowances for corps members serving in the state, highlighting their role in education and community awareness. Meanwhile, Mohammed Satomi used the opportunity to call for the sack of the chairman of the North East Development Commission, citing concerns over mismanagement and lack of developmental projects in the region.
Context and Background
This allowance increase comes amid ongoing security challenges in Borno State, where volunteer groups like the CJTF have been instrumental in combating insurgency and maintaining order. The move aligns with Governor Zulum's administration's focus on empowering local security structures and improving the welfare of those involved in community protection efforts. It also follows recent international cooperation, such as the United States Department of War's acknowledgment of Nigeria's collaboration in air strikes against Islamic State-linked militants, signaling a deepening of security coordination under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
Overall, Governor Zulum's initiative is seen as a vital step towards enhancing the effectiveness and morale of security operatives in Borno State, with potential implications for broader security strategies in Nigeria's northeastern region.
