NEDC, Development Consult Train 600 CJTF on Rules of Engagement
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
The North East Development Commission (NEDC), in partnership with the Conflict Security and Development Consult (CSDC), has begun the training of 600 security volunteers to combat crime in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
The three-day training of members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and vigilantes aims to complement the efforts of the military and other security agencies in protecting lives and property in the insurgency-affected region.
Declaring the training session open in Maiduguri, the CSDC lead consultant, Group Captain Sadeeq Shehu (rtd.), revealed that the training aims to enhance the capacity of the Civilian JTF and vigilante groups in preventing human rights violations while maintaining law and order in society.
In a breakdown of the training of security volunteers, Shehu said, “In Borno state, the epicentre of insurgency, 300 volunteers are to be trained, while 150 each from Adamawa and Yobe states are being trained in the rules of engagement in combating crime in their respective states.”
Besides the rules of engagement, the consultant noted that the NEDC considers aspects of human rights, and the rules of engagement are critical in safeguarding civilians and their property.
He explained that enhancing security in the region is a key pillar of the NEDC. “This is in addition to the reconstruction process and the empowerment programmes of the commission to restore people’s livelihoods,” he said. Shehu noted that the training of the Civilian JTF and security volunteers would ensure synergy among security agencies in protecting both lives and property in the Northeast.
Responding to the training, one of the participants said, “It will empower and equip us with the requisite knowledge and skills in combating crime in the insurgency-affected states.”
