Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has mobilised Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) fighters alongside Nigerian troops to Kirawa, a border town in Gwoza Local Government Area, following the sudden withdrawal of Cameroonian soldiers previously stationed in the community.
The deployment comes amid fears that insurgents could exploit the security vacuum created by the exit of Cameroonian forces, who had been part of joint operations to secure Nigeria’s porous borders against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.
Swift Response to Security Gap
Governor Zulum, known for his hands-on approach to counter-insurgency efforts, moved quickly to reinforce the town with both military personnel and local vigilante fighters. According to security sources, the decision was taken to prevent insurgents from infiltrating Kirawa and surrounding villages, which have witnessed multiple attacks in the past.
“Kirawa is a very strategic border town. The governor had no choice but to immediately mobilise security operatives to ensure there is no vacuum,” a security officer familiar with the development told reporters.
Background: Nigeria–Cameroon Security Cooperation
Nigeria and Cameroon have for years collaborated under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a regional security framework that includes Chad and Niger, to combat insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin. Cameroonian soldiers had been instrumental in manning border communities like Kirawa, preventing cross-border movement of terrorists.
The reason for the troops’ withdrawal remains unclear. Analysts, however, warn that the development could test regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
Local Vigilantes Step In
The CJTF, a volunteer security outfit established at the peak of the Boko Haram crisis, has been central to Borno State’s grassroots defence strategy. With their deep knowledge of local terrain, they are expected to complement Nigerian soldiers now securing Kirawa.
Residents, however, expressed mixed feelings. While some welcomed the governor’s rapid response, others fear that insurgents may test the new security arrangement.
“We are happy the governor responded immediately, but we still feel unsafe. The Cameroonian soldiers were very effective in guarding this town,” said Musa Ali, a Kirawa resident.
Ongoing Security Challenges
Borno remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s 15-year insurgency, with border towns like Kirawa often bearing the brunt of cross-border raids. Analysts say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the security gap left by Cameroonian troops will be effectively managed.
Governor Zulum has repeatedly called for stronger regional cooperation and international support to ensure lasting peace in the Lake Chad Basin.
Sunday Buna Ibrahim is a seasoned journalist with Daily Frontier (dailyfrontier.com.ng), where he reports on security, conflicts, and humanitarian issues across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, particularly Plateau and Benue States. He also serves as a News Producer at Vision FM Radio in Abuja. Prior to joining Daily Frontier, he worked with Radio Nigeria, Fombina FM Yola in Adamawa State between 2019 and 2020.
