Governor announces increment in allowances for Vigilantes, Security Volunteers

Governor announces increment in allowances for Vigilantes, Security Volunteers

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved an increase in the monthly allowances for security volunteers under the Borno Youth Empowerment Scheme, which includes the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Vigilantes, Hunters, and Neighbourhood Watch.

The move underscores the state government’s commitment to supporting those who risk their lives daily to protect communities and promote lasting peace in Borno.

According to a statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, obtained on Saturday in Maiduguri, Governor Zulum approved raising the monthly allowance for each volunteer from ₦30,000.00 to ₦50,000.00. Leaders of the volunteer groups will now receive ₦150,000.00 each. The revised payments have already begun reaching beneficiary accounts, increasing the state’s monthly expenditure on the program to ₦232.4 million.

Since their inception, these groups have been critical pillars in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency, complementing the efforts of the Nigerian military and other security agencies in maintaining peace and stability across Borno State.

Upon assuming office in 2019, Governor Zulum first approved a rise in volunteers’ allowances from ₦15,000.00 to ₦20,000.00, later increasing it to ₦30,000.00. Since then, the government has ensured consistent monthly payments of ₦30,000.00 to each volunteer.

While this support has aided the volunteers, prevailing economic realities, rising living costs, and the increasing operational risks associated with their duties made a further review necessary.

“The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Vigilantes, Hunters, and Neighbourhood Watch have consistently demonstrated gallantry, resilience, and unwavering commitment in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents,” Governor Zulum stated.

“In recognition of these sacrifices and in appreciation of their steadfast dedication to peace and security, His Excellency has approved an upward review of the monthly allowance for each volunteer from ₦30,000.00 to ₦50,000.00, while leaders of the volunteer groups will now receive ₦150,000.00 each,” he added.

The increase will take effect from January 2026, with a total of 45 leaders benefiting from the leadership allowance.

The statement noted that the enhanced allowance is expected to further boost morale, strengthen operational effectiveness, and reinforce the volunteers’ resolve to continue supporting ongoing security operations.

Their contributions include the arrest of key insurgent commanders and the provision of actionable intelligence to security forces, which has prevented attacks and protected lives and property across communities in the state.

Governor Zulum commended the volunteers for their patriotism, courage, and selfless service, calling on them to re-dedicate themselves to duty, uphold discipline, and sustain collaboration with security agencies in the collective quest to entrench peace, stability, and development across Borno State.