By Abubakar Yunusa
The Special Envoy and Ambassador to West Africa for the International Human Rights Protection Service/Forum, Charles Omini, has charged members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to prioritise peace, transparency and accountability, stating that present actions will shape the future stability of Nigeria.
Omini gave the charge on Saturday in Abuja during a ceremony where he was officially presented with a Certificate of Patronship by the National Chairman of the CJTF, alongside a Certificate of International Partnership recognising the collaboration between the CJTF and the International Human Rights Protection Service/Forum across West Africa.
“We are not meeting here to drink or celebrate. We are meeting here because what we do today will determine Nigeria’s peace tomorrow.
“There is so much work to be done, and it must be carried out with discipline and integrity,”Omini told state command.
He emphasised that leadership within the CJTF must be guided by ethical standards, warning against misuse of resources or abuse of authority.
“If you ask for support, it must be for the right purpose. Is it to move people and equipment for lawful operations? Yes. Is it to destroy property or harm others? No,” he stated.
Omini explained that extensive research and intelligence assessments conducted with the organisation’s Regional Director for Intelligence and Security, retired Air Force Marshal Abusa Sareke, revealed that the CJTF’s role in community security is vital to national peacebuilding.
“This effort is not about individual recognition. It is about our collective responsibility to our communities and the nation.
” Our identity is green, white, green — unity, peace and progress,” he said, describing CJTF operatives as agents of national cohesion.
He also acknowledged the presence of Chief Curtis Odebe, Regional Director for Research and Strategy in West Africa, noting that the issuance of the international partnership certificate followed months of evaluation.
According to Omini, reports submitted to international partners in the United States and the United Nations Security Department received positive responses, strengthening confidence in the CJTF’s operations and its partnership with the forum.
“They reviewed our engagement and welcomed us for further cooperation. The international community is ready to work with us in ending insecurity in Nigeria,” he disclosed.
The Special Envoy further revealed that the CJTF has commenced engagements with the Nigerian government at various levels, appealing for formal recognition and welfare support for its members.
“After the training and orientation programmes, government must place CJTF operatives on salary. Their sacrifices deserve recognition,” he said.
He added that letters would be sent to the President, the United Nations Security Council, and the Office of the National Security Adviser to reinforce the call.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the CJTF, Kailani Muhammad, expressed appreciation for the partnership, describing it as a major boost to the group’s operations.
He traced the roots of the CJTF to community defence initiatives in Borno State over 15 years ago, adding that its expansion into other parts of the country was driven by rising insecurity, including armed robbery, insurgency and banditry.
Muhammad stated that integrity remains the organisation’s guiding principle.
“Our members are trained to arrest criminals without seizing their belongings. We stand for honesty, transparency and accountability,” he said.
He confirmed the CJTF’s readiness to work with anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to promote a clean and secure society.
On recruitment, the chairman explained that strict vetting procedures are followed, with endorsements from community leaders and the police to ensure only credible individuals are enlisted.
He also revealed that a CJTF Special Forces Unit is being assembled and would soon undergo advanced security training.