Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved a significant increase in the monthly allowances of volunteers under the Borno Youth Empowerment Scheme.
This covers members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Vigilantes, Hunters and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
A statement issued by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, says that the monthly allowance for each volunteer has been increased from ₦30,000 to ₦50,000, while leaders of the various volunteer groups will now receive ₦150,000 monthly.
According to the statement, the increased which has taken immediate effect now brings the state’s total monthly expenditure on the scheme to ₦232.4 million.
The volunteer groups have remained critical partners in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency, working closely with the Nigerian military and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability across the state.
Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Zulum has consistently improved the welfare of the volunteers.
He first raised their monthly allowance from ₦15,000 to ₦20,000, later increased to ₦30,000, which has been paid consistently.
However, rising living costs, harsh economic conditions and increased operational risks necessitated the latest review.
“The Civilian Joint Task Force, Vigilantes, Hunters and Neighbourhood Watch have consistently demonstrated gallantry, resilience and unwavering commitment in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents,” the governor stated.
January effective date
The new allowance structure will take effect from January 2026, with a total of 45 leaders benefiting from the leadership allowance.
The enhancement is expected to boost morale, strengthen operational effectiveness and further motivate the volunteers to sustain their support for ongoing security operations.
Their contributions have included the arrest of key insurgent commanders and the provision of actionable intelligence that has helped prevent attacks and protect lives and property across Borno communities.
Governor Zulum commended the volunteers for their patriotism, courage and selfless service, urging them to remain disciplined, recommit to their duties and sustain collaboration with security agencies in the collective effort to entrench peace, stability and development in the state.
