Civilian Joint Task Force Debunks Extortion Allegation; Assures on Mandate Actualization
The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) Sector 15 in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State has debunked allegations that its personnel were extorting money from residents, asserting that it remains focused on actualizing its mandate to safeguard lives and properties.
Intelligence Officer of CJTF Sector 15, Sotonye Oruama said this on Thursday, April 23, 2026 to Kristin Reports via a virtual call on WhatsApp.
He dismissed rumours insinuating that its personnel go around extorting money from people, describing it as “falsehood”, promising to bring to book any of its personnel found culpable in such acts.
“The Civilian Joint Task Force is an organisation that has been running since 2013 in Borno State. It was formed to curb the spare of insurgency, comprising local youths who volunteered to support the Nigeria Military.”
“Our duty is to secure and safeguard the place. We are not working alone. All the local and traditional authorities are working with us”
Oruama maintained that although the authorities were working on modalities to ensure it gets funding for its operations, the CJTF is not relenting in its duty of safeguarding the environment against oil thefts and other social vices.
“It’s not been long we came up but we are trying our best. We believe that the place will be better”
He maintained that the organisation is recognised both at the federal and state levels, adding that it remains a symbol of community-driven security, patriotism and volunteer service in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Kristina Reports, residents expressed mixed reactions to the existence of the organisation, with some wondering why that have been an exacerbation of robbery activities and criminality still holding sway in the area.
“I never hear that kind thing for this Okrika, if na true, why we still dey experience stealing and cultism.”
“Just yesterday, them con thief my phone, so if this kin thing dey, make dem come out open, make we know them”
