The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that the security situation in the country, especially in the Northeast, is improving. He made this declaration on Saturday during a conference held in Maiduguri, Borno State, organised by the Kalthum Foundation for Peace, the Network of Civil Society Organisations, and the Borno State Youth Parliament.
The conference, themed “Countering Violent Extremism: The Role of Educational Institutions and Students,” focused on the critical role of education and youth in combating violent extremism.
General Musa appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope or relent in their support for security forces. “I want to appeal that we should not get tired, things are getting better. We must continue to cooperate with security forces, so that we can have total peace in Borno state and the Northeast in General,” he said.
He highlighted the significant role that youths and students play in peace advocacy, urging them to utilize media platforms such as social media, television, and radio to challenge extremist ideologies. “Let us speak through social media, TV, and radio to counter extremist narratives and promote peace,” he added.
The CDS described the sensitisation programme as timely and vital for raising awareness and encouraging positive grassroots action to counter radicalisation through education, dialogue, and civic responsibility. “At its core, it aims to raise awareness and stimulate positive action at the grassroots, to embrace peace as a way of life, and to counter radicalisation through education, dialogue, and civic responsibility,” he said.
He also pointed out the necessity of clarifying moral boundaries, especially as extremist groups exploit factors like illiteracy, poverty, and ethnic and religious divisions to advance their agenda.
General Musa commended the organisers for their efforts in awakening students to their role as security stakeholders.
Ummukalthum Mohammed, CEO of the Kalthum Foundation for Peace, thanked the CDS and security forces for their unwavering dedication to combating Boko Haram and terrorism in Nigeria.
Following the event, General Musa visited wounded soldiers at Maimalari Military Hospital, where philanthropist Dr. Paul Odilli, who accompanied him, donated cash, drugs, and medical equipment to support the injured troops.