Army’s Gwoza Recruitment: Group Demands Tough Vetting To Block Boko Haram, ISWAP Infiltration

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 warned that the exercise must be backed by stringent security screening to prevent terrorists from infiltrating the military.

The group said the recruitment, announced by the Theatre Commander during a visit by Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, could provide a major boost to counter-insurgency operations in Southern Borno and neighbouring areas if properly implemented.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak, and Borno State Coordinator, Daniel Halilu, on Thursday, NCYP said the initiative was consistent with its longstanding advocacy for the recruitment, training and deployment of qualified local youths to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to the organisation, youths who are indigenous to communities affected by insurgency possess valuable knowledge of the local terrain, communities and movement patterns, making them potentially useful assets in intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism operations.

NCYP cited the experience of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), which emerged in 2012 at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, as evidence of the strategic value of community participation in the fight against terrorism.

The group noted that CJTF members worked alongside security forces and contributed to efforts that pushed Boko Haram out of Maiduguri and several other communities.

“Indigenous youths understand their communities, terrain and environment and can provide valuable intelligence when properly trained and integrated into the security architecture,” NCYP said.

It argued that the Gwoza recruitment could therefore become an important component of efforts to consolidate security gains and protect communities across Southern Borno, provided that recruitment was conducted transparently and professionally.

The group also commended Senator Ndume for his sustained advocacy on security issues affecting his constituents and Borno State, particularly his calls for the deployment of additional troops to vulnerable communities.

NCYP further praised Ndume’s advocacy for improved military welfare and predictable, front-loaded funding for security operations, saying the effectiveness of troops on the frontline depended substantially on adequate resources and welfare.

The organisation also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving recent salary increases for Armed Forces personnel, describing improved welfare, adequate funding and modern equipment as critical to troop morale and operational effectiveness.

However, NCYP said the proposed Gwoza recruitment must not compromise national security.

It specifically called on the Nigerian Army to subject every applicant to exceptionally rigorous background checks and security vetting, warning that Boko Haram, ISWAP and other criminal elements could attempt to exploit the recruitment exercise to gain access to 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,” the group said.

It warned that any lapse in the screening process could create a fresh security challenge and undermine the very 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.

The group said it remained committed to supporting practical, community-based initiatives capable of strengthening grassroots security and improving the capacity of security agencies to respond to threats in vulnerable communities.