By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, today, has inaugurated the Students Against Violent Extremism (SAVE 1 and SAVE 2) task forces during a high-level multi-sector conference held in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The conference focused on countering extremist ideology, insurgency, and terrorism in the North-East region.
Organised by the Kaltum Foundation for Peace, in collaboration with the Network of Civil Society Organisations and the Borno State Youth Parliament, the one-day forum brought together students, traditional leaders, civil society actors, and key security stakeholders to foster dialogue and build grassroots resistance against radicalisation and violent extremism.
In his keynote remarks, General Musa described his return to Maiduguri as a “profound homecoming,” reflecting on his extensive operational engagements in the region including his leadership of Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Operation HADIN KAI. He commended the resilience of the North-East people and urged the youth to become front-line advocates for peace.
You are the torchbearers of new values,” the CDS declared, “and you must choose paths that build rather than break our He stressed the pivotal role of students and educational institutions in counter-radicalisation efforts, encouraging responsible use of social media, peer advocacy, and civic vigilance as non-kinetic tools in the fight against extremism. He noted that violent ideologies thrive on misinformation, identity distortion, and silence in the face of suspicious activities.
General Musa maintained that “Silence is no longer an option. ‘ “The evil ignored today may haunt us tomorrow.”ighlighting the power of youth engagement, General Musa officially launched the SAVE Task Forces, calling on student members to be ambassadors of peace and champions of unity, committed to identifying and supporting vulnerable peers while promoting inclusive narratives of peace and national cohesion.
The CDS also expressed appreciation for the review of his book, “Taking Stand Against Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry: Admonition to Nigerian Youth,” urging open feedback to enhance the national counterinsurgency strategy. He emphasised that continuous review and innovation are critical to outsmarting evolving threats.
He extended special thanks to the Governors of Borno and Yobe States, as well as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for their steadfast support in rebuilding the region under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a show of solidarity with the people of Borno, General Musa also condemned the recent cowardly attacks by suicide bombers, offering sympathy and encouraging continued resilience.
The event concluded with a powerful message: the youth of the North-East are not only the future—they are the force for peace today.
