The National Coordinator of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) Nigeria, Comrade Tanimu Shehu, has expressed profound appreciation to the office of the Chief of Army Staff for prompt and considerate response to the Task Force’s recent request seeking approval to extend its operations to all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In a letter earlier addressed to the Chief of Army Staff and dated 12th September 2025, the CJTF requested formal approval to expand its operations nationwide in order to strengthen collaboration with security agencies in combating insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities threatening Nigeria’s peace and stability.
Responding via a letter dated 22nd October 2025, the Department of Army Operations at the Nigerian Army Headquarters acknowledged receipt of the CJTF’s request and directed the body to pursue the extension through established legal and security procedures. The Army also recognized the CJTF’s commitment to community protection and intelligence sharing in support of national security efforts.
While reacting to the correspondence, the National Coordinator, Comrade Tanimu Shehu, commended the Chief of Army Staff for his professionalism, open-door leadership, and continuous support to the CJTF’s patriotic mission.
“We sincerely appreciate the Chief of Army Staff for his acknowledgment and for the confidence reposed in our organization. The CJTF remains fully committed to complementing the efforts of the Nigerian Army, Police, and other security agencies to rid our nation of crime, terrorism, and all forms of insecurity,” he said.
Comrade Shehu, who is also the Plateau State commandant of the CJTF further assured Nigerians that the CJTF would continue to operate within the framework of the law, ensuring discipline, accountability, and community-based intelligence gathering across all its units nationwide.
“We will not relent in our collective duty to protect lives and property. Our officers and members are ever ready to work tirelessly, shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces, to ensure that every Nigerian can live in peace and safety,” he added.
The CJTF, established in 2013, has remained a crucial grassroots support mechanism in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and other violent crimes. The group’s proposed expansion seeks to strengthen cooperation between civilian security volunteers and the nation’s armed forces to achieve a safer, more united country.
The National Coordinator also called on the Federal Government, state governments, and relevant stakeholders to continue supporting community-based security initiatives that promote intelligence gathering, early warning systems, and rapid response to threats in local communities.
Signed:
Comrade Tanimu Shehu
National Coordinator
Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) Nigeria,
Email: nationalcjtfng@gmail.com
Date: October 30, 2025