The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has inaugurated the first and second phase of led taskforce known as Students Against Violent Extremism (SAVE 1 and SAVE 2).
The taskforce aimed at countering extremist ideology, insurgency, and terrorism in the North-East region was commissioned during a high-level multi-sector conference organised by the Kaltum Foundation for Peace, in collaboration with the Network of Civil Society Organisations and the Borno State Youth Parliament, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to a statement signed by the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General, Tukur Gusau and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA in Abuja, General Musa described his return to Maiduguri as a “profound homecoming,” reflecting on his extensive operational engagements in the region including his leadership of Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Operation HADIN KAI.
He commended the resilience of the North-East people and urged the youth to become front-line advocates for peace.
“You are the torchbearers of new values and you must choose paths that build rather than break our,” he said .
General Christopher Musa stressed the pivotal role of students and educational institutions in counter-radicalisation efforts, encouraging responsible use of social media, peer advocacy, and civic vigilance as non-kinetic tools in the fight against extremism.
He noted that violent ideologies thrive on misinformation, identity distortion, and silence in the face of suspicious activities.
“Silence is no longer an option, the evil ignored today may haunt us tomorrow,” he add.
While highlighting the power of youth engagement, the CDSon student members to be ambassadors of peace and champions of unity, committed to identifying and supporting vulnerable peers by promoting inclusive narratives of peace and national cohesion.
Showing solidarity with the people of Borno, General Musa condemned the recent attacks by suicide bombers as he offered sympathy and encouragement for sustained resilience.
He further expressed appreciation for the review of his book, “Taking Stand Against Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry: Admonition to Nigerian Youth,” urging open feedback to enhance the national counterinsurgency strategy. He emphasised that continuous review and innovation are critical to outsmarting evolving threats.
The defence chief extended appreciated the Governors of Borno and Yobe States, as well as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for their steadfast support in rebuilding the region under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The one-day forum brought together students, traditional leaders, civil society actors, and key security stakeholders to foster dialogue as well as build grassroots resistance against radicalisation and violent extremism.
