The Adamawa State Government, troubled by the continuous occupation of parts of the state by Boko Haram insurgents, has decided to engage and train 10,000 local hunters, vigilantes and Civilian JTF in order to liberate the towns captured by the insurgents.
The government, reports say decided on training the local hunters to change their perception so that they would execute their duties according to the rule of engagement.
This was disclosed on Monday by the state Governor, Mr. Bala James Ngillari, through his spokesman, Mr. P. P. Elisha, shortly after an emergency meeting with security chiefs in the state.
Elisha said that at least, 10,000 hunters would be enlisted in the scheme as members of the local vigilante to fortify the towns and aid the security forces in dislodging the Islamist sect, Boko Haram.
According to him, the group would be called “Civilian JTF” and saddled with the responsibility of assisting the law enforcement agencies in their jobs of providing security to the society.
“This does not give them the licence to take laws into their hands by harassing or arresting innocent members of the society,’’ he said. He however, declared that it was only the law enforcement agencies that would have the mandate to arrest or detain suspected criminals or Boko Haram militants during the operations.
“People should note that it is only the law enforcement agencies like soldier. rs or policemen that have the power to arrest or detain suspected criminals like Boko Haram sect or armed robbers”.
The govenor’s spokesman dispelled the rumours that the local hunters and Civilian JTF that are now assisting Nigerian troops had withdrawn in the ongoing operations in Adamawa State.
“It is was not so, the governor had just concluded a meeting with the security chiefs, what really happened is that they were asked to retreat instead of being on the frontlines, with a view of all air raid by the air force.
“They have been helping the military tremendously, and that prompted the government to see ways of cushioning their hardship,’’ said Elisha.
He said the state government commended the efforts of the vigilance groups and hunters in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the state and called on the people to cooperate with the joint task forces to wipe out the insurgents in the zone.
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