Armed banditry: Zamfara to recruit 8,500 civilian JTF members

* rewards each member that recovers rifle with N1million

Zamfara state government would recruit 8,500 civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) as a fresh move to end the incessant killings and kidnappings in the state, Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar said on Thursday.

Governor Yari spoke shortly after a security council meeting with security chiefs in the state, local government chairmen and royal fathers.

He said 500 members of the civilian JTF would be drawn from each of the 17 emirate council and would be paid allowance each month.

Governor Yari further explained that there would be one million Naira reward for each of the civilian JTF member that was able to arrest armed bandits and recover his AK47 rifle(s).

He said they had reviewed and extensively discussed the security situation in the state and they had understood that areas worst affected are the remote areas that are very difficult to access.

Giving reason for the decision, he said the menace of killings and kidnappings across the state is increasing by the day despite the deployment of more troops and other security operatives with equipment.

“Between 2014 and 2015 we had only 250 soldiers; but now, the number has hit over 1,600 and we are yet to see any respite. So, the recruitment of these able-bodied men would definitely enhance the security situations in the state.

“The recruitment would start soon and in collaboration with security operatives; they will supervise the process. The civilian JTF members know every nook and cranny of the state and all locals in each community,” he added.