By Toyosi Roseline Ajibade

 In the complex landscape of security and governance, Toyosi Ajibade has emerged as a rising scholar in the field of security studies. Currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Central Florida’s Security Studies Program, Ajibade focuses her research on the complex and often contradictory role of Pro-Government Militias (PGMs) in Africa. With a background in history and international studies from Osun State University, Nigeria, and a master’s degree in political science from Ohio University, she has cultivated a unique perspective on how non-state armed groups interact with state structures to influence governance and stability in fragile states.

Ajibade’s work delves into the dynamics of PGMs; groups often formed to support state security objectives but which frequently engage in severe human rights abuses, particularly in states with weak institutions.

Her research highlights how governments in fragile states rely on PGMs to fill critical security gaps and extend their influence into regions where their institutional presence is limited. Ajibade argues that for governments struggling to maintain control, aligning with Pro-Government Militias (PGMs) often seems like a pragmatic solution, given these groups’ deep roots in local social networks and power structures. Such collaborations enable states to extend their influence into regions where their institutional presence is weak or absent. However, while this approach may provide short-term control, it comes at a steep cost to human rights, governance, and long-term stability. 

Nigeria’s Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) stands out as a poignant case study in Ajibade’s work. Initially celebrated for its role in countering Boko Haram, the CJTF has become a controversial figure due to allegations of extrajudicial killings, torture, and civilian abuse. This troubling duality, where the CJTF acts as both protector and perpetrator, illustrates the dangers of relying on Pro-Government Militias (PGMs) without proper oversight. Ajibade’s research offers critical insights into the factors shaping the behavior of Pro-Government Militias (PGMs) across Africa.

She points out how the absence of oversight and accountability often allows these groups to operate with impunity, contributing to cycles of violence and human rights abuses. Her findings reveal that PGMs with ethnically homogenous compositions are more likely to engage in identity-driven violence, often targeting specific communities and deepening social divisions. Conversely, Ajibade argues that fostering ethnically diverse memberships and prioritizing defensive roles for these groups can significantly reduce their propensity for such abuses. Human rights violations remain a recurring concern among PGMs across African countries, not just in the case of Nigeria’s Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

According to Ajibade, the likelihood of these human rights abuses often hinges on two key questions: Is the state able or willing to control these groups effectively? And are the militias driven by identity-based motives? 

Ajibade argues that the first question signifies the critical role of government oversight. In many instances, PGMs operate autonomously due to the lack of formal regulation, which fosters impunity. This absence of control may be deliberate, as governments often distance themselves to shield state forces from liability while using militias to achieve controversial objectives, such as suppressing dissent or conducting offensive operations.

However, in weaker states, this reliance can also stem from limited capacity, leaving governments with no alternative but to delegate security responsibilities to these groups. The second-factor centers on internal dynamics, particularly ethnic composition. Ajibade’s research reveals that PGMs with ethnically homogenous memberships are more likely to pursue identity-based agendas, increasing the likelihood of targeted violence.

On the other hand, ethnically diverse militias are generally less prone to such violations, as broader representation mitigates the risks of targeting specific groups and fosters more balanced operations. 

Ajibade further argues that operational roles influence militia behavior. PGMs engaged in offensive operations, such as military campaigns, suppressing dissent, or targeting alleged insurgents, are significantly more likely to commit abuses compared to those focused on defensive roles, such as protecting local communities from external threats to address these challenges.

Ajibade advocates for several critical measures. African governments must implement stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure PGMs operate within formalized frameworks and are held accountable for their actions. Additionally, fostering ethnically diverse memberships in militias can help limit identity-driven violence, while prioritizing defensive roles can reduce the harm inflicted on civilian populations. Without these reforms, PGMs will continue to blur the line between security providers and human rights violators, perpetuating cycles of violence and undermining state legitimacy across the continent. 

Ajibade’s dedication to uncovering the complex relationships between PGMs and state authority shows her broader commitment to addressing governance and security challenges in Africa. Her work emphasizes the urgent need for African governments to regulate and formalize the roles of these militias, enforce accountability, and adopt strategies that mitigate harm. Without these measures, Ajibade warns, PGMs will remain precarious actors both necessary for immediate security needs and dangerous in their potential to destabilize states further.

Toyosi Ajibade’s work positions her as a visionary thinker and a leading voice in the study of African security and governance as a scholar deeply invested in her field. Ajibade is not only advancing academic discourse but also contributing practical solutions to some of Africa’s most persistent challenges.

Toyosi Roseline Ajibade, a PhD student in the Security Studies Program at the University of Central Florida, USA.