The Zamfara State Executive Council, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the recruitment of 4,200 members to bolster the ranks of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), aiming to complement the efforts of security agencies in addressing the ongoing security challenges in the state.
The decision to recruit civilian JTF members was a key topic discussed during the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday, as revealed in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris.
Additionally, the meeting granted approval for the construction of new classrooms and the renovation and furnishing of existing ones.
The statement 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.
“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.
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“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.
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“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 statement concluded.
The civilian JTF initiative, initially adopted in conflict-ridden states in the North-East and North-West, involves the engagement of civilian volunteers who collaborate closely with regular armed forces to enhance security efforts in the battle against Boko Haram terrorists and bandits.