In a decisive step to counter extremist ideologies fuelling insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has inaugurated a student-led initiative aimed at combating violent extremism through advocacy, education, and social media engagement.
The unveiling took place during a one-day multi-sectoral conference held in Maiduguri, Borno State, with the theme: “Countering Extremist Ideology, Insurgency, and Terrorism in the Northeast.”
The event also marked the formal launch of a book authored by the CDS, titled “Taking A Stand Against Insurgency and Terrorism Among Others.”
Addressing students, youth leaders, and civil society actors, General Musa emphasized the importance of adopting non-kinetic measures in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-insurgency campaign. He urged young people to become “non-combatant soldiers” by challenging extremist narratives online and using their voices to promote peace, unity, and national security.
“The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its young people,” General Musa said. “Use your social media platforms to challenge divisive ideologies and support the Armed Forces in protecting our collective future.”
The newly inaugurated student group, under the banner of the Students Against Violent Extremism (SAVE 1&2) initiative, targets students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. The initiative seeks to mobilize youths as agents of change and resilience against radicalization and terrorism.
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The CDS acknowledged that while military efforts have made significant gains in combating insurgency, enduring peace can only be achieved through a comprehensive approach that includes deradicalization, community engagement, and youth empowerment.
Earlier, the founder and convener of the conference, Ummukaltum Mohammed, highlighted the importance of grassroots-driven interventions in neutralizing extremist propaganda. She noted that the SAVE 1&2 project is a strategic move to equip students with tools to resist recruitment by terrorist groups and champion peaceful coexistence.
Representatives from Borno and Yobe state governments, civil society organisations, and security agencies all pledged support for the initiative and called for continued collaboration in the region’s recovery.
Following the event, General Musa visited wounded troops receiving care at the Maimalari military hospital. During the visit, a philanthropist present at the conference pledged to donate housing units to the injured soldiers in recognition of their sacrifice.
The event concluded with the formal inauguration of student representatives into the SAVE teams and a renewed call for young Nigerians to become ambassadors of peace and unity across their communities.