Building Safer Communities: How NEDC Is Empowering Local Security Forces with Human Rights Training in Yola

Daily Rendezvous 

May 14, 2025

In the heart of Yola, Adamawa State, a powerful shift is happening in the way local security forces approach their duty to protect. From May 12–13, 2025, over 150 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and vigilante groups gathered for a transformative training on human rights, international humanitarian law, and rules of engagement.

The training, organized by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in partnership with Conflict Security and Development Consult Ltd (CSD Consult), is part of a broader initiative across the Northeast. With a total of 600 participants expected—300 from Borno, 150 each from Adamawa and Yobe—the goal is clear: strengthen grassroots security while prioritizing human dignity and legal accountability.

Why This Training Matters

In a region still grappling with the impact of insurgency and insecurity, the role of local security volunteers is critical. But with that role comes immense responsibility.

This training is about more than operational tactics—it’s about ethics, law, and humanity. Participants learned how international humanitarian law (IHL) protects civilians, medical facilities, schools, and places of worship during conflict. They explored the difference between combatants and non-combatants, and the importance of proportionate and lawful use of force.

They were also introduced to the Rules of Engagement (ROE)—the legal and ethical guidelines that govern when and how force can be used in the field. These rules are not just theoretical; they’re practical tools to reduce harm, prevent abuses, and build public trust in security forces.

Real-Life Scenarios, Real-Life Impact

One of the standout moments was a role-play exercise simulating a tense market incident involving a suspected informant. The exercise tested not just tactical response, but ethical judgment, emotional control, and legal awareness.

Participants were asked:

Was the use of force justified?

Were civilians adequately protected?

How would this look if caught on video and shared online?

This kind of training helps CJTF and vigilante members develop a mindset of restraint, respect, and responsibility—a far cry from the brute-force approaches that often breed resentment in communities.

A Step Toward Lasting Peace

According to facilitators, the training is rooted in both international law and Nigeria’s domestic legal framework, including the Armed Forces Act and terrorism laws. By integrating this knowledge into daily operations, local security forces are better positioned to act lawfully and effectively, even under pressure.

“Security without accountability is a threat, not a solution,” said one of the trainers. “This program is about turning that around—giving our frontline defenders the tools to protect without violating rights.”

What’s Next?

As this program rolls out across Borno and Yobe, the ripple effects could be significant. Beyond just improving professionalism, the training could be a model for community-driven peacebuilding in other conflict zones.

For now, the message is simple but powerful: even in the toughest environments, respect for human life and the law must come first.

Want to learn more about how grassroots security is evolving in Nigeria’s Northeast? Stay tuned for more updates from the field.