By Sam Kayode
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has approved an upward review of the monthly allowances to the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Vigilantes Hunters and Neighbourhood Watch.
The upward review would be effected in their monthly alerts from the end of this month January 2026.
This decision underscores the commitment of the State Government to supporting those that risk their lives daily to safeguard communities and restore lasting peace in the state.
In a recent statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, said the Governor approved the upward review of the monthly allowance for each volunteer from ₦30,000.00 to ₦50,000.00, while leaders of the volunteer groups will now receive ₦150,000.
The groups have been critical pillars in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency, complementing the efforts of the Nigerian military and other security agencies in maintaining peace and stability across Borno State.
Upon assumption of office in 2019, Governor Zulum graciously approved the upward review of volunteers’ monthly allowances from ₦15,000.00 to ₦20,000.00, and later further increased the allowance to ₦30,000.00. Since then, Borno State Government has consistently ensured the payment of ₦30,000.00 monthly to each volunteer.
While this support has significantly assisted the volunteers, prevailing economic realities, rising costs of living, and the increasing operational risks associated with their duties have made a further review necessary.
“The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Vigilantes, Hunters, and Neighbourhood Watch have consistently demonstrated gallantry, resilience, and unwavering commitment in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents,” Zulum stated.
This increase will take effect from January 2026, with a total of 45 leaders benefiting from the renewed allowances.
The enhanced allowance is expected to further boost their morale, strengthen operational effectiveness, and reinforce the resolve of the volunteers to continue supporting ongoing security operations.
Some of their invaluable contributions in the war theatre include the arrest of key insurgent Commanders and the provision of actionable intelligence to security forces that has led to the prevention of attacks and the protection of lives and property across reachable and unreachable communities in the state.
Governor Zulum commended the volunteers for their patriotism, courage, and selfless service, and called on them to re-dedicate themselves to duty, uphold discipline, and sustain their collaboration with security agencies in the collective quest to entrench peace, stability, and development across the state.
The CJTF became a necessity when the insurgents choked the state capital in a daring manner and were using selective Justice in dealing with anyone who dared to question their reckless execution of innocent residents.
They assisted the military and police to chase the criminal insurgent elements out of the capital and fought side by side the military especially in terrains were help was needed due to lingering man power crisis.
