The Northern Inter faith and Religious Organisation for
Peace has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the absorption of
some members of the Civilian Joint Taskforce known as civilian JTF
fighting the Boko Haram insurgency in the north east into the military
and Department of State Services (DSS), saying such move is in the
interest of peace after the war on terrorism has been won.
Addressing journalists this morning (Sunday),
national cordinator of the group, Bishop Musa Fomson said the concern
has been how to disarm and demobilised the youths after circumstances
compelled them to bear arms because of the terrorists’ insurrection.
According to him, those raising the concern were afraid of
what would happen next when the military has completely defeated Boko
Haram because the youths could have become a source of problem when they
have the skills to fight without being gainfully employed.
He said, “But there is no need for such fear now that some
of the former Civilian JTF members are now gainfully employed by being
absorbed into the Army. It is something that can be done for the others
that are willing to accept formal roles as they can be absorbed in other
batches and into other organisations. This will of course ensure that
they are not lured into misusing the experience and weapons they
acquired in the course of supporting the military to fight terrorists.
“The strategy offers multiple advantages to the country and
must be pursued with the necessary commitment. The youths’ knowledge of
the locality will also ensure that the mopping up of defeated Boko
Haram members that are trying to move into the society is easier and
more thorough.
“Again, we commend President Muhammadu Buhari as the
Commander-in-Chief for buying into this strategy and we also commend the
military high command for recognising and accepting the contribution of
the youths towards the defeat of the insurgency. We appeal that this
should be a continuous exercise so that the other youths that are part
of the a-hoc security body are similarly absorbed.”
He however said the government must however ensure that the
screening of those being absorbed is thorough to ensure their
psychological stability in view of the mental health issues that could
have become widespread both because of the environment these youths have
been in and the activities they had been engaged in to survive that
environment.
There have been reports that a total of 250 youths that
were once part of the vigilante group fighting Boko Haram terrorist
better known as Civilian-JTF have been trained and inducted into the
Nigerian Army, with another 30 reported to have also been absorbed into
the Department of State Services (DSS).
Fomson said, “it is on this ground that we want to thank
President Buhari for this foresight. We also acknowledge the
contribution of the military for the success they have recorded in
turning the support of the local population to the country’s advantage.
Had the contributions of the youths’ vigilante group been rebuffed we
possibly would not be where we are today. Our hope and belief is that
youths in any other part of Nigeria where criminal elements are
fomenting would realise that the ultimate winning side is the government
side and would thus naturally pitch their tent with our security
forces.
“Instead of joining forces with those with evil plots it is far better to support security agencies to fight against them.
The military and security services have indeed by this integration of the former Civilian JTF members solved some problems that concerned Nigerians had earlier flagged.
The military and security services have indeed by this integration of the former Civilian JTF members solved some problems that concerned Nigerians had earlier flagged.
He further suggested that the authorities strongly consider
granting amnesty to members of Boko Haram that are not high up in its
command structure as an incentive to make them drop their weapons
without further human tolls.
According to him, this should specifically target the
non-combatant elements of the terror group and those that were coerced
into joining the sect.
He said, “We must however warn that the amnesty being
suggested should be aimed at demobilising Boko Haram members and must
not be converted into a money dashing jamboree. It must also be
monitored in a way that it is possible to keep track of those that sign
up for the deal.”
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