By: Gbenga Akingbule
A new strategy that will assist in bringing to an end the 16-year-old Boko Haram Insurgency was at the weekend launched by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa- the aim is to catch the youngsters early, preventing youth radicalization and recruitment.
Gatekeepers News reports that the launch of the groundbreaking strategy with an innovative approach according to the CDS will not only address the protracted Boko Haram insurgency but also other forms of criminality, including kidnapping and banditry across Nigeria.
Gen Musa, who spoke at an event organised by the Kalthum Foundation for Peace, Network of Civil Society Organisations, with the theme “Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism Through Youth Engagement and Civic Dialogue,” said it’s time for a new approach to fighting insurgency and other forms of criminality.
The CDS launched the initiative- a multi-sector conference on countering extremist ideology and insurgency at the University of Maiduguri in Borno State, the epic centre of Boko Haram insurgency where key stakeholders, including youths and children, had converged to tackle the root causes of Boko Haram insurgency.
The early Intervention strategy according to Gen. Musa focuses on identifying and engaging youths at risk of radicalization, preventing their recruitment by terrorist groups pointing out that the military seeks to cut off the supply chain of recruits and weaken the terrorist organizations.
“If we want to defeat insurgency, it is the youth that will do it. If we want to prevent violent extremism and reclaim our schools, our homes, and our dignity, it is the youth who must lead the charge.
“Let us start a new movement. A movement of young Nigerians committed to rebuilding their communities through values that reflect our national identity – peace, unity, truth, and purpose,” Gen Musa admonished the youths and children present at the occasion.
To commence operationalizing the new strategy of positive youth engagement, two new youth groups- Student Against Violent Extremism; SAVE 1 and SAVE 2 Teams were inaugurated by the CDS during the conference.
“We must join hands to defeat extremist ideology, Insurgency, banditry, and terrorism, We can surely defeat them, I urged the youths to stand against any criminal act. God is with us and we are with God. The future is bright when the youths rise for peace,” Gen Musa said.
By involving youths in the fight against insurgency and banditry, stakeholders present at the occasion said General Musa’s initiative marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism approach and the military is poised to achieve notable successes in securing the nation.
The CDS also used the opportunity to unveil his new book titled – Stand Against Violence, Terrorism, and Extremism: An Admonition to Nigerian Youths” offering valuable insights into the root causes of insurgency and practical strategies for mitigation.
“We need to ensure that all young people, regardless of their backgrounds have access to opportunities. This means actively working to dismantle barriers and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported,” a quote from page 49 of the CDS new book said.
