By Abubakar Yunusa
Kailani Muhammad, National Chairman of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), has warned that journalists in Nigeria face grave dangers, including imprisonment and death, for carrying out investigative reporting.
Muhammad made the remarks on Saturday in Abuja at the 2025 International Human Rights Day celebration, themed “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” alongside the official flag-off of the Internally Displaced Persons Welfare Support Programme (IDPs-WSP).
He said freedom of expression remains a fundamental human right enshrined in the Constitution and urged the Federal Government to protect journalists and allow them to perform their watchdog role without intimidation.
“Journalists are the watchdogs of society. They must be allowed to report freely from the masses to the government without fear of harassment, arrest or death,” he said, calling on the police and other security agencies to respect media freedom.
The CJTF chairman also spoke on societal values, calling for sanity and modesty in public conduct, particularly in relation to women’s dressing.
He argued that society should promote decency and draw inspiration from religious teachings that emphasise modesty.
On security, Muhammad highlighted the role of the CJTF in the fight against Boko Haram, recalling that the group was formed over 14 years ago through collaboration with the military, police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to him, CJTF operatives have worked voluntarily alongside security agencies to restore law and order, especially in the North-East, where Boko Haram insurgency has severely violated citizens’ fundamental human rights.
He disclosed that more than 6,000 CJTF members have been killed in Borno State alone while assisting security forces in the fight against terrorism.
Muhammad called for improved security coordination through the establishment of a unified control room that would bring together the army, police, DSS, immigration and other agencies.
He said modern technology, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems and drones, should be deployed to track the movement and hideouts of bandits and terrorists.
“If we create a central control room and apply advanced technology, I believe that within months we can significantly degrade banditry and Boko Haram activities in Nigeria,” he said.
On human rights protection, the CJTF chairman urged the government and development partners to adequately fund human rights organisations to enable them to protect citizens and respond to abuses effectively.
He said his commitment to human rights dates back decades, noting that he had been actively involved in labour and human rights advocacy since the 1970s.
Muhammad also called on the Federal Government to recognise and support individuals and groups who contributed to political change in the country, stressing that good governance and credible leadership are essential for national stability.
He criticised the appointment of individuals who, according to him, lack understanding of Nigeria’s political terrain, urging the President not to forget loyal supporters who worked tirelessly for democratic change.
Human Rights Day Highlights Plight of IDPs – African Court Judge
In her welcome address, a Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Lady Justice Stella Isibhakhomen Anukam, said International Human Rights Day serves as a reminder of the importance of dignity, freedom and equality for all.
She explained that the 2025 theme, “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” underscores the fact that human rights are not abstract ideals but fundamental pillars of daily life.
Lady Justice Anukam drew attention to the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), describing them as one of the most vulnerable groups facing severe human rights violations.
According to her, millions of IDPs worldwide, including a significant number in Nigeria, have been forced to flee their homes due to armed conflict, violence, human rights abuses and natural disasters, yet remain within their countries without adequate protection.
“Unlike refugees who cross international borders and enjoy protection under international law, IDPs often lack sufficient legal protection and assistance, despite being equally vulnerable,” she said.
She noted that IDPs frequently suffer from lack of access to food, water, shelter, healthcare and education, while also facing discrimination, exploitation and violence, particularly women and children.
The judge called on governments, civil society organisations and the international community to take proactive steps to protect the rights of IDPs through effective laws, policies and adequate funding.
She stressed that human rights must be guaranteed every day, not only during international commemorations, adding that protecting vulnerable populations is essential to peace, stability and sustainable development.
