According to Nivo News, the Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State has taken a decisive step to reinforce grassroots security with the recruitment of 166 members into a Joint Task Force aimed at sustaining peace and preventing emerging threats.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The newly recruited volunteers were formally inaugurated on Wednesday at the Jaba Local Government Secretariat. The ceremony was performed on behalf of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa Gwabin (retd.), by his Senior Special Adviser, Musa Likita, who described the initiative as timely and forward-looking.

Likita noted that although Jaba Local Government currently enjoys relative peace compared to other parts of Southern Kaduna, proactive measures are essential to avert future security challenges. He stressed that peace must be deliberately protected, even in areas that appear calm, adding that the initiative reflected responsive and people-oriented leadership by the council chairperson, Larai Sylvia Ishaku, with the backing of community stakeholders.

He commended the local government leadership for the move, describing it as a remarkable effort driven by the collective will of the people. Addressing the recruits, Likita praised their readiness to serve, saying their decision to volunteer demonstrated a strong commitment to the safety and stability of their communities.

He further disclosed that the recruits had already undergone over a week of intensive training, which demanded discipline, endurance and sacrifice. According to him, the programme was designed to prepare them for the responsibilities ahead, assuring the volunteers that their efforts and sacrifices would be recognised.

In her remarks, the council chairperson described the inauguration of the Joint Task Force as a historic milestone for Jaba Local Government, symbolising the shared determination of the people to preserve peace and security. She warned that the security challenges facing neighbouring communities and other parts of the country made vigilance and preparedness unavoidable.

Ishaku emphasised that security is a collective responsibility, calling on residents to support the initiative in order to protect lives, safeguard property and promote sustainable development. She explained that the Joint Task Force was drawn from all ten wards of the local government and would collaborate closely with conventional security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders.

She added that the mandate of the task force includes strengthening intelligence gathering, protecting lives and property, and tackling the growing challenge of illicit drug abuse by identifying dealers, barons and users within the communities. The chairperson urged the recruits to serve with integrity, discipline and dedication, describing them as symbols of hope for Jaba and surrounding areas.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the local government administration to consolidate peace, enhance community-based security structures and prevent the spread of insecurity into the area. The Wakilin Jaba, Elisha Musa, speaking on behalf of the Paramount Chief of the Ham people, His Highness Danladi Gyet Maude, expressed strong support for the programme, describing it as a bold and commendable step toward lasting peace in Hamland.