Nigeria’s Civilian JTF gets new Commander General

Retired Maj.-Gen. Abdullahi Maikano has been appointed the new acting Commander General of Nigeria's Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), a move approved by the organization's national leadership. The announcement came Saturday during the CJTF National Security Summit held in Abuja, which focused on "Building a Resilient Nation: Strategic Partnerships for Peace, Stability and National Development."

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Whether you are from Edo State or you are from Orobo, Nupe, Hausa, Yoruba, or Igbo, this country belongs to all of us. We don’t have any other country apart from Nigeria. And God knows why he brought us together.

Prof. Kailani Muhammad, the National Chairman of CJTF, introduced Maikano as a "military sports guru" and expressed confidence in his ability to formalize the CJTF through a robust blueprint. Muhammad recalled the organization's turbulent beginnings 15 years ago, emphasizing its commitment to complementing the efforts of official security agencies to foster peace and unity in Nigeria. He stressed that the country belongs to all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity.

Maikano, in his remarks to reporters, thanked the CJTF management for the appointment. He stated his intention to review the organization's achievements over the past 15 years to guide its future direction. Maikano reiterated the CJTF's role in supporting established security outfits like the police and armed forces, highlighting the importance of their complementary function.

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I thank God and the executive chairman of this Civilian JTF of Nigeria for finding me fit to handle this post of commander-general.

The summit also touched upon the CJTF's existing partnerships within West Africa and discussions with approximately 83 countries. Maikano indicated plans to develop a blueprint for the CJTF's advancement and explore collaborations with international agencies, aiming to enhance the organization's effectiveness in contributing to national peace and security.

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But definitely we have a very robust plan, because as I said during my remarks, I said our role as civilian joint task force is complementary to the constituted security outfits.