LocationsStrengthening foundations for Social Cohesion “a Whole of Society focus."
July 15, 2022
Hajja Gana Gambo is a Civilian Joint Taskforce (CJTF) member in Maiduguri.
With the prolonged challenge of insurgency across northeast Nigeria, Volunteer security outfits (VSOs) have, over time, gained prominence as they are part of the community security structure pushing back the insurgents. Comprised of local community members (men and women) belonging to different associations operating from their home environments, VSOs have been essential for enhanced security and safeguarding of communities. Born out of the conflict, VSOs are a vital part of localised stability, peace and reconciliation efforts, extending beyond the ongoing conflict.
Hajja Gana Gambo is a Civilian Joint Taskforce (CJTF) member in Maiduguri. She recalls the event that prompted her to join the task force,
“During one of the attacks in my village, my cousin and so many others were killed; after that incident, I became very restless and wanted to help protect my people and the community. This was why I joined CJTF to assist in the fight against insurgency."
Despite the effectiveness of VSOs, their engagement brings to light several challenges, as their enrolment is not based on any particular training, and some of their actions can sometimes be overbearing and often linked to human rights abuses. Noting the importance of equipping VSOs with prerequisite skills that enhance their support to state government efforts, as members transition out of conflict, the Borno State Government, through the Borno Security Trust Fund, partnered with UNDP to define and implement a strategy setting agenda on futures of VSOs in the northeast of Nigeria. The partnership sought to deploy integrated training and capacity development for 1,600 members (1510 male and 90 female) of the VSOs from across 27 Borno State Local Government Areas enabling them to gain skills through the training that will support their own transitions out of the conflict and to further strengthen foundations for community Social Cohesion as part of the Whole of Society focus approach.
Born out of the conflict, VSOs are a vital part of localised stability, peace and reconciliation efforts, extending beyond the ongoing conflict.
The capacity development intervention aims to improve the understanding and appreciation of the realm of civic responsibility within the context of human rights, prevention of violent extremism, transitionary weapon management in the protection of civilians, conflict prevention, social cohesion, peacebuilding, sexual and gender-based violence, and leadership in a conflict and post-conflict setting. The training was instrumental as it provided Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) using specific assessment tools to help them develop a healthy coping mechanism and promote healing for participants who may have experienced traumatic events and violence. These efforts are critical for the well-being of the individuals and community at large, considering the impact of the prolonged conflict and the need to provide support in building an individual's ability to manage stressful incidents at the community level.
Speaking on the impact of the training at a personal level, Gana Gambo noted, “Before the training, I had unresolved anger issues due to what the insurgents did to my family. I poured that anger on people while doing my duties, and I found myself using harsh methods on fellow members of my community because I felt that I had some authority over them or an upper hand above everybody else. This training helped me to reflect on my actions and realise that I have been abusive to people. The Human rights and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support sessions have helped me deal with traumatic experiences that altered how I treat people in my community.”
The partnership sought to deploy integrated training and capacity development for 1,600 members.
An important takeaway for the participants is their improved perspective or better understanding of human rights and willingness to apply the principles in their operations to promote community peace and reconciliation.
“Now, I’m a better person. I relate well with community members, and they trust me to handle issues better and report security cases to me as they have seen positive changes in my behaviour”, said Gana Gambo.
VSOs have been essential for enhanced security and safeguarding of communities.
The capacity development intervention aims to improve the understanding and appreciation of the realm of civic responsibility within the context of human rights.
This initiative is implemented as a collaboration between Borno State Government and UNDP and supported by the European Union in support of reconciliation and reintegration interventions.
