Extremists using poverty, illiteracy to fight against us – CDS
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Workers, Overall Christopher Musa, has warned that violent extremists are exploiting poverty, illiteracy, and social divisions to preserve their impact in the nation, in particular in the Northeast.
Speaking on Saturday in Maiduguri at a convention aimed at tackling violent extremism, Overall Musa acknowledged extremist groups are no longer finest the employ of weapons nonetheless also manipulating prone communities by misinformation and socio-economic despair.
“Our adversaries exploit vulnerabilities such as illiteracy, poverty, and the fault lines of ethnicity and faith,” the CDS acknowledged. “Right here's why we must proceed sensitising our of us and empowering them with knowledge.”
The tournament, themed “Countering Violent Extremism: The Characteristic of Tutorial Institutions and College students”, used to be organised by the Khalthum Foundation for Peace in partnership with the Community of Civil Society Organisations and the Borno Teach Childhood Parliament.
Overall Musa burdened that defeating terrorism requires extra than navy force, calling for grassroots awareness, education, and civic accountability to scenario the ideologies that gasoline extremism.
“It is time to elaborate ravishing from nasty,” he acknowledged. “Enable us to employ our voices – by social media, radio, and tv to counter their false narratives and promote peace.”
He also advised younger Nigerians, in particular students, to employ ownership of the message, adding that “when voters are advised and arresting, terrorists lose ground.”
The CDS counseled the organisers of the programme and acknowledged the principal role that students can play as security stakeholders of their communities.
Following the convention, Overall Musa visited Maimalari Armed forces Sanatorium to lengthen strengthen to wounded troopers. Accompanied by philanthropist Dr Paul Odilli, donations in money, treatment, and medical tools were made to the skill.
CEO of the Khalthum Foundation for Peace, Ummukalthum Mohammed, praised the Nigerian navy and other security agencies for their enduring efforts in the strive in opposition to in opposition to Boko Haram and other forms of terrorism.
