Child Of Necessity: (AB)Uses Of The Civilian Joint Task Force In Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Non-state armed groups (NSAGs) have become key actors in the provision of security and
safety in communities in Africa. One of the NSAGs created to provide safety and security in the
war-ravaged North Eastern Nigeria is the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). This paper critical
examines uses and abuses of the NSAG in Borno State. Based on data collected through online
and print newspapers, interviews and other secondary sources, the study shows that the formation
of the CJTF in Borno State has helped to curtail military attacks on innocent civilians and also
assisted in decimating Boko Haram. However, activities of the group since its creation in 2013
have been accompanied with human rights abuses of residents, use of position as members of
CJTF to witch-hunt opponents, serving as informants to Boko Haram and subject to elites
manipulation especially politicians and military. The study also held that rebuilding Borno State
and entire Northeastern Nigeria where Boko Haram insurgency has been on for almost a decade
now should incorporate demobilisation and reintegration of members of CJTF into normal life
to prevent the possibility of the group developing into new security threat after Boko Haram.