CDS Inaugurates Student Task Forces to Combat Extremism in Borno
CDS Inaugurates Student Task Forces to Combat Extremism in Borno
CDS Inaugurates Student Task Forces to Combat Extremism in Borno
By Ayshatu S. Rabo
General Musa Launches SAVE 1 & 2, Urges Youth to Lead Peace Revolution Maiduguri, Borno State In a bold move to deepen the fight against radicalisation and insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has inaugurated the Students Against Violent Extremism (SAVE 1 and SAVE 2) task forces during a high-level multi-sectoral conference in Maiduguri.
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The one-day summit, themed around countering extremist ideologies and fostering resilience, was convened by the Kaltum Foundation for Peace, in partnership with the Network of Civil Society Organisations and the Borno State Youth Parliament. The event drew together students, civil society leaders, traditional authorities, and security experts to reinforce grassroots resistance to terrorism and violent extremism.
In his keynote address, General Musa described his return to Maiduguri as a “profound homecoming,” recalling his operational tenure leading Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Operation HADIN KAI. He commended the unbreakable spirit of the North-East people and urged youths to be frontline defenders of peace and stability.
“You are the torchbearers of new values,” the CDS declared. “You must choose paths that build rather than break our society.” He highlighted the critical role of educational institutions in driving non-kinetic responses to insurgency, calling for responsible digital behavior, peer advocacy, and civic vigilance.
“Silence is no longer an option,” General Musa warned. “The evil ignored today may haunt us tomorrow.”
He officially launched the SAVE task forces, charging student members with the responsibility of becoming peace ambassadors, supporting vulnerable peers, and promoting inclusive narratives of unity and national identity.
During the event, General Musa also welcomed feedback on his recent publication, “Taking Stand Against Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry: Admonition to Nigerian Youth,” stressing the importance of constant innovation in the national security strategy.
He expressed gratitude to the Governors of Borno and Yobe States, as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for their unwavering support in rebuilding the conflict-ravaged region under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Reacting to recent attacks by suicide bombers in Borno, the CDS condemned the acts as cowardly and extended heartfelt condolences to victims while encouraging sustained resilience among citizens.
As the conference drew to a close, the prevailing message was clear: the youth of the North-East are not just tomorrow’s leaders they are the vanguard of peace today.
Distinguished guests include prominent dignitaries and elite representatives, notably:
Brig. Gen. A.S Ishaq (Rtd.), Special Adviser on Security to the Executive Governor of Borno State.
Brig. Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd.), Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Executive Governor of Yobe State.
CDS Inaugurates Student Task Forces to Combat Extremism in Borno
