By Alkali Abba Bashir
The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) remains one of the greatest blessings Borno State has ever produced in its darkest hour of need. Born out of sheer courage and desperation in 2013, this formidable group of young men and women rose to defend their communities when Boko Haram ravaged the North-East with terror, bloodshed, and destruction.
They were ordinary citizens who chose extraordinary bravery—armed initially with nothing more than sticks, determination, and knowledge of their environment. Today, the CJTF stands as a disciplined community force that complements the Nigerian military and security agencies. They patrol our streets, guard our Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, secure schools, and provide intelligence that has saved countless lives. Many of them have paid the ultimate price so that peace could return to Borno.
MY PERSONAL ORDEAL IN THE DARK YEARS
I, Alkali Abba Bashir, write not just as a witness but as a survivor of those dark years. Life in Maiduguri during the height of Boko Haram insurgency was nothing short of living in a war zone.
There were nights of endless tears, days without food, and moments of despair when stepping outside meant risking your life. Attending the mosque, weddings, or funerals was no longer safe. Neighbors could be spies. Strangers were potential killers. Fear ruled every corner of our existence.
Our state collapsed before our eyes:
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Schools were shut for months; children’s futures were stolen.
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Markets were paralyzed by sporadic gunfire.
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Farming, livestock grazing, and trade became impossible.
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Hospitals overflowed with casualties.
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Roads were unsafe, ambushes and landmines turned travel into death traps.
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Electricity and mobile networks were cut, leaving people in isolation and despair.
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Maiduguri, once “The Home of Peace,” became a city of curfews, gunshots, and hopelessness.
Almost every household sheltered displaced relatives, as Boko Haram spread its cruelty across towns and villages. Hundreds of thousands were widowed, orphaned, or rendered homeless. Those with means fled to Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, or even abroad. The poor, like many of us, had nowhere to run.
THE TURNING POINT
Relief began with the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari and the resilience of Borno’s leaders—Former Governor Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, alongside our gallant military, paramilitary agencies, and most notably, the CJTF.
The CJTF became our shield when no one else could. They chased Boko Haram out of Maiduguri with bare hands, identified insurgents hiding in communities, and guided the military with their deep local knowledge. They guarded our schools, markets, and homes. Their courage rekindled hope.
Former Governor Shettima institutionalized their bravery through the Borno Youth Empowerment Scheme (BOYES) in 2012, giving them training, stipends, and equipment. Governor Zulum has sustained this support with food, vehicles, scholarships, and welfare programs—ensuring widows and orphans of fallen CJTF heroes are not forgotten.
International partners such as UNDP and NERI have also recognized and collaborated with this community defense model, which is now studied globally as an example of effective community-led security.
THE PRICE OF SACRIFICE
From Sambisa to Baga, Bama to Gwoza, the blood of CJTF heroes waters the soil of Borno. Thousands have fought shoulder to shoulder with soldiers; many never returned. Their orphans and widows live among us today.
If not for the CJTF, Maiduguri and other towns would still be under Boko Haram control. They knew the terrain, they knew the people, and they could unmask insurgents even in disguise.
This is why we must never forget them. Their courage must be honored, their families supported, their children educated, and their welfare institutionalized.
MY APPEAL
As a concerned son of Borno, I appeal to both State and Federal Governments to:
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Provide regular remuneration for CJTF members.
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Institutionalize welfare packages for families of fallen heroes.
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Offer continuous training for professionalism.
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Integrate them fully into Nigeria’s security architecture.
These youths deserve a secure future for securing ours.
A LASTING LEGACY
From carrying sticks as Yan Gora in 2012 to becoming a globally recognized defense model, the CJTF has written their names in gold. Their bravery restored dignity, peace, and hope to our land.
On behalf of myself and countless grateful citizens, I say: Thank you, Civilian Joint Task Force. Thank you to our Nigerian military. Thank you to our leaders—Shettima, Zulum, and Buhari—for standing firm when Borno faced its darkest hour.
Your sacrifices will never be forgotten. Your heroism will forever inspire future generations.
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