Nigeria: Vigilantes join in the war against terrorism

By Konye Obaji Ori

  

The war on terror starring the Nigerian military versus members of extreme Islamist group Boko Haram has taken a new twist, as a youthful vigilante arises to combat Boko Haram.
Young men known as "Civilian JTF," armed with knives, machetes and sticks have taken to the streets searching, targeting and attacking suspected fighters and members of Boko Haram.
The youthful vigilante arose in response to attacks on young people by members of Boko Haram.
Boko Haram members allegedly attack people who cooperate with the Nigerian military, known as the Joint Task Force (JTF).
In response to such attacks, the Civilian JTF was formed to support Nigerian soldiers in their offensive against radical Islamic extremists in north east Nigeria.
Some suspected members of Boko Haram pointed out by the Civilian JTF have been shot dead by security forces without much due process.
President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency on 14 May in three north eastern states.
Tagged as a secessionist rebellion, with an allegiance to a separate flag other than Nigeria's one, Jonathan gave the country's military a mandate to defeat the rebels.
Analysts say the rise of the Civilian JTF risks posing issues of concern in the ongoing war and after.

source: theafricareport