Author(s) :

Na’ima Haruna Izge; Nelson Gambo.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Boko Haram insurgency in Northeastern Nigeria resulted in unconventional security responses. Notable among them is the emergence of the Civilian Joint Task Force in Borno State in 2013. This paper examines the role, contributions, and challenges of the Civilian Joint Task Force in counterinsurgency operations between 2013 and 2024. Although there is literature in the study area, these works did not focus on the role of the Civilian Joint Task Force in counterinsurgency at the community level in Borno State, which informed the gap this research fills. Using a qualitative methodology to interrogate the sources, the study explores the group's operational contributions to intelligence gathering, insurgent identification, territorial recovery, and community mobilisation. Findings reveal that the Civilian Joint Task Force has significantly supported military operations through its local knowledge and community networks. However, human rights concerns, inadequate training, weak institutional regulation, poor welfare, and reintegration challenges undermine its sustainability. The paper recommends improved training, legal recognition, accountability mechanisms, and comprehensive reintegration programmes to strengthen community-based counterinsurgency efforts in Nigeria. Keywords: Community Security, Counterinsurgency, Civilian Joint Task Force, Boko Haram, National Security.

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