Banditry: Zamfara govt approves recruitment of 4,300 into civilian Joint Task Force

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has directed the recruitment of a civilian Joint Task Force to complement the efforts of security agencies in the State.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the meeting was held at the Council Chambers, Government House, adding that security issue was one of the critical matters discussed in the meeting.

Idris noted that it was one of the governor’s commitments to curb the lingering insecurity, saying he approved the recruitment in all local government areas of the State.

“While presiding over the State Executive Council meeting, the governor approved the recruitment.

“The members of the State Council deliberated extensively on the ravaging insecurity in the State, hence, approved the recruitment of civilian JTF to complement the effort of the military and the police.

“4300 civilian JTF members would be recruited in each local government area of the State. The recruits would undergo rigorous physical training that would prepare them to assist the security agencies with actionable intelligence to combat insecurity.

“Furthermore, the council approved the construction of additional classrooms in each local government area to provide students with increased opportunities for education.

“Governor Lawal believes that education is a fundamental right for all citizens. His government is committed to ensuring that every Zamfara child can access quality education.

“The government will construct, renovate and furnish 49 classrooms in Gusau, 11 in Anka, 15 in Bakura, 8 in Bukkuyum, 14 in Birnin Magaji, 8 in Bungudu, 8 in Gummi, 19 in Kaura, 8 in Maru, 11 in Maradun, 42 in Shinkafi, 8 Talata Mafara, 27 in Tsafe, and 11 in Zurmi local government,” the statement read.