The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has welcomed the Nigerian Army’s planned recruitment of about 1,000 indigenous youths from Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, but urged the military to subject all applicants to rigorous security screening to prevent infiltration by Boko Haram, ISWAP and other criminal elements.
The group said the recruitment, announced by the Theatre Commander during a visit by Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, could significantly strengthen counter-insurgency operations in Southern Borno and neighbouring communities if properly implemented.
In a statement on Thursday signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, and Borno State Coordinator, Daniel Halilu, NCYP said the initiative was consistent with its longstanding advocacy for the recruitment, training and deployment of qualified youths from communities affected by insecurity.
According to the organisation, indigenous youths possess valuable knowledge of local terrain, communities and movement patterns, which could enhance intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism operations when properly trained and integrated into the military.
NCYP cited the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), which emerged in 2012 at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, as evidence of the strategic importance of community participation in counter-insurgency efforts.
The group noted that CJTF members worked alongside security forces and contributed to operations that helped push Boko Haram out of Maiduguri and other communities.
“Indigenous youths understand their communities, terrain and environment and can provide valuable intelligence when properly trained and integrated into the security architecture,” the group said.
NCYP said the Gwoza recruitment could become a critical component of efforts to consolidate security gains and protect vulnerable communities across Southern Borno, provided the process was transparent, merit-based and professionally conducted.
The organisation also commended Senator Ndume for his sustained advocacy on security challenges affecting his constituents and Borno State, particularly his calls for increased troop deployment to vulnerable communities.
It further praised Ndume’s advocacy for improved military welfare and predictable, front-loaded funding for security operations, stressing that the effectiveness of troops on the frontline depends substantially on adequate resources, equipment and welfare.
NCYP also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving recent salary increases for Armed Forces personnel, describing improved welfare, adequate funding and modern equipment as essential to troop morale and operational effectiveness.
However, the group warned that the recruitment exercise must not create a new security vulnerability.
It specifically urged the Nigerian Army to conduct comprehensive background checks and intelligence-led security vetting of every applicant, warning that terrorist groups and criminal networks could attempt to exploit the exercise to penetrate military structures.
“Every applicant must undergo comprehensive security vetting to ensure that Boko Haram, ISWAP or other criminal elements do not infiltrate the military through this initiative,” NCYP said.
The organisation cautioned that any weakness in the screening process could create a fresh security challenge and undermine the objective of the recruitment.
NCYP commended the Chief of Army Staff, the Theatre Command and other officers and personnel of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in defending the country.
It said it remained committed to supporting practical, community-based initiatives capable of strengthening grassroots security and enhancing the capacity of security agencies to respond effectively to threats in vulnerable communities.
