New Boss for Nigeria's Civilian JTF

The leadership of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has named a new acting Commander General. Retired Maj.-Gen. Abdullahi Maikano takes over this role.

Prof. Kailani Muhammad, the National Chairman of CJTF, announced the appointment on Saturday at the CJTF National Security Summit held in Abuja.

The summit's theme was "Building a Resilient Nation: Strategic Partnerships for Peace, Stability and National Development."

Muhammad described the new leader of Civilian JTF as a military sports expert. He expressed hope that Maikano would help develop a strong plan to formalise the CJTF.

The CJTF chairman reflected on the challenges faced 15 years ago when the organization was created. He noted that the group's goal is to support security agencies in promoting peace and unity across Nigeria.

He said the aim of forming the Civilian Joint Task Force was to ensure peace and unity in the country. "Whether you are from Edo State or you are from Orobo, Nupe, Hausa, Yoruba, or Igbo, this country belongs to all of us. We don’t have any other country apart from Nigeria. And God knows why he brought us together."

Muhammad added, "I feel happy when I see our people working with the security agencies to achieve this goal of peace and unity."

He highlighted the seriousness of the situation, saying, "When people are being trampled upon, people are being kidnapped, I mean innocent Nigerians. So, I think we have come of age."

He continued, "From today, with the new Commander General, I as the Chairman, all our wishes start gazetting. I believe we’re going to sit down to create a plan for how Civilian JTF will thrive."

Muhammad also mentioned plans to collaborate with international agencies. "Already, we are partnering with West Africa. I have spoken to around 83 countries. I think we are good to go. And I’m happy," he said.

After his appointment as CJTF boss, Mr Maikano spoke to reporters. He thanked the CJTF management and Prof. Kailani Muhammad for trusting him to lead the organization.

"I thank God and the executive chairman of this Civilian JTF of Nigeria for finding me fit to handle this post of commander-general."

He added, "This means a new perspective for me. I will sit down in my office, review all the achievements made in the last 15 years for this organisation, and plan how we are going to move forward."

Maikano expressed determination to move forward quickly. "If I tell you these are my plans, it’s like I’m trying to shorten what it’s supposed to be."

He mentioned having a solid plan for the future. "As I said during my remarks, our role as civilian joint task force is to support the official security agencies."

He emphasized that the CJTF would work alongside the police, armed forces, and other security groups. "We are complementing their efforts because we know the terrain. We will assist our brothers to bring peace and stability to our nation, Nigeria."

Maikano concluded with a strong message, "This is because we don’t have any other country except Nigeria. We love our country, and we are going to support our security agencies."