By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

KADUNA — The Jaba Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State has recruited and inaugurated 166 members of a Joint Task Force (JTF) to bolster community-based security and sustain peace in the area.

The inauguration ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Jaba Local Government Secretariat, led by Mr. Musa Likita, Senior Special Adviser to the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa Gwabin, who represented the Minister.

Speaking at the event, Likita described the initiative as timely and commendable, emphasizing that even peaceful communities must proactively safeguard security.

“Even where peace exists, it must be protected. Security and peace should never be taken for granted,” he said, praising the local government chairman and community stakeholders for their commitment to responsive, people-centered leadership.

Likita also acknowledged the recruits’ dedication, noting that they had undergone over a week of intensive training, requiring discipline, endurance, and sacrifice. “Your decision to volunteer shows dedication to the security of your local government. Your sacrifices will not go unnoticed,” he said.

The Executive Chairman of Jaba LGA, Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku, described the JTF inauguration as a landmark moment. She explained that while Jaba has enjoyed relative peace, rising security challenges in neighbouring areas made proactive measures necessary.

“Peace must never be taken for granted. Security is not the duty of a few; it is the responsibility of all. Only by standing together can we protect lives, secure property, and create an environment for growth and development,” she said.

The newly formed JTF, drawn from all ten wards of the LGA, will collaborate closely with conventional security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, and grassroots security. Their mandate also includes protecting lives and property and combating illicit drug abuse by identifying dealers, barons, and users in the community.

“The JTF stands not just as a security outfit, but as a beacon of hope for the people of Jaba and surrounding communities,” Ishaku stated, urging the operatives to carry out their duties with discipline, integrity, and dedication.

Supporting the initiative, Wakilin Jaba, Elisha Musa, representing the Paramount Chief of the Ham people, His Highness Danladi Gyet Maude, commended the program as a pioneering effort capable of delivering lasting peace in Ham land.

The inauguration of the 166-member Joint Task Force forms part of broader efforts by the Jaba Local Government administration to consolidate peace, strengthen community-based security, and prevent the spread of insecurity in the area.