BY NEWS EDITOR, JUNE 28, 2025 | 09:04 PM
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. CG Musa, has called on students in the North-East region to play a crucial role in countering violent extremism and promoting peace in their communities.
The CDS made the call on Saturday at the 1-Day multi-sector conference on countering extremist ideology, insurgency, and terrorism in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The conference, themed 'Countering Violent Extremism: The Role of Educational Institutions and Students' was organized by the Kaltum Foundation for Peace, the Network of Civil Society Organisations, and the Borno State Youth Parliament.
Gen. Musa emphasized the importance of students in shaping the future of the country and promoting peace, noting that they can help shield their schools and communities from the clutches of indoctrination, radicalism, and insurgency.
He urged the students to use social media responsibly and as a tool for acquiring knowledge and skills, promoting peace, supporting security forces, and condemning terrorism and all violent crimes.
'Be advocates for truth. Fight misinformation and disinformation because the battle against violent extremism is largely non-kinetic and heavily reliant on civic awareness, media influence, and social responsibility,' he said.
The CDS also inaugurated the Student Against Violent Extremism (SAVE 1 and 2) task forces, charging the students to be ambassadors of peace and to lead by integrity, commitment, and courage.
He urged them to support one another and inspire their peers to choose the path of peace.
Gen. Musa expressed gratitude to the organisers, the speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, traditional leaders, and clergymen for their support in fostering peace in the region.
He also commended the Governors of Borno and Yobe States for their unflinching support to the operations of security agencies.
The CDS condoled with the government and people of Borno State over recent cowardly attacks by suicide bombers and IEDs, urging them not to despair but to strengthen their resolve for peace.
'Let us speak through social media, TV, and radio to counter extremist narratives and promote peace,' he said.
Gen. Musa launched a book titled 'Taking Stand Against Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry: Admonition to Nigerian Youth' during his tenure as Theatre Commander, which was reviewed at the conference.
He encouraged the students to provide feedback and critiques to enhance the security architecture and strategies.