April 09, (THEWILL) – The North East Development Commission (NEDC), in partnership with Conflict Security and Development Consult Limited (CSD Consult), has commenced a training programme for 600 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and vigilante groups across the three most security-challenged states in the North-East — Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.
Speaking at the opening session of the three-day training held in Maiduguri on Tuesday, Lead Consultant of CSD Consult and retired Group Captain, Sadeeq Shehu, said the initiative is aimed at enhancing the capacity of local security volunteers to operate within the framework of human rights and rules of engagement.
Themed “Training on Human Rights, Rules of Engagement, and Rules on the Use of Force,” the programme targets 300 participants in Borno, 150 in Adamawa, and another 150 in Yobe, based on the severity of insecurity in each state.
“We are looking at training 600 participants across the three states. In Borno, 300 participants are undergoing the training, while Adamawa and Yobe will have 150 each,” Shehu stated.
He explained that one of the major challenges faced by state-backed security outfits like the CJTF is effective communication with the civil population, often leading to incidents of rights violations.
“This training is designed not only to bridge that communication gap but also to instill the importance of respecting human rights and adhering strictly to rules of engagement,” he said.
According to Shehu, the NEDC’s support for the programme is anchored on its commitment to peacebuilding, security, and development in the North-East, alongside its well-known efforts in reconstruction and empowerment.
“The commission recognises that safeguarding human rights and ensuring compliance with the rule of law is crucial in any security operation, especially those involving non-state actors,” he added.
He stressed that while CJTF and vigilante groups play complementary roles in supporting federal security agencies, it is important that they understand their limits and operate under the authority and supervision of constitutionally recognised security institutions.
Some participants at the training expressed satisfaction with the initiative, noting that it will enhance their knowledge and operational conduct in the fight against crime and insurgency across the region.
