By Nkec
In a bold move to deepen grassroots resistance against terrorism and radicalisation, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Saturday, 28 June 2025, inaugurated two student-led task forces known as Students Against Violent Extremism (SAVE 1 and SAVE 2) in Maiduguri, Borno State.
In an official signed statement, Director Defence Information Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau disclosed that the unveiling took place during a high-level multi-sector conference convened to strengthen counter-extremism efforts in Nigeria’s North-East region. Organised by the Kaltum Foundation for Peace, in partnership with the Network of Civil Society Organisations and the Borno State Youth Parliament, the one-day forum brought together students, traditional rulers, civil society actors, and security stakeholders to foster dialogue and enhance local mechanisms to confront extremist ideologies.
Addressing the gathering, General Musa described his return to Maiduguri as a “profound homecoming,” reflecting on his past leadership roles in the region, including as Commander of Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Operation HADIN KAI. He paid tribute to the resilience of the people of the North-East and commended ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability.
“You are the torchbearers of new values,” the Defence Chief told the students, calling on them to be architects of unity rather than agents of division. He emphasized the critical role of young people and educational institutions in reversing radicalisation trends through peer advocacy, civic vigilance, and responsible use of social media. According to him, extremist ideologies often fester in silence, misinformation, and distorted identities.
“Silence is no longer an option. The evil ignored today may haunt us tomorrow,” General Musa warned, charging the newly inaugurated SAVE teams to become ambassadors of peace and protectors of their communities. He described the student-led initiative as a non-kinetic force multiplier in the broader fight against insurgency and a step towards reclaiming the narrative of peace.
The CDS also welcomed the review of his book, Taking Stand Against Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry: Admonition to Nigerian Youth, and called for constructive feedback to improve the national counterinsurgency strategy. He noted that innovation and continuous engagement with critical stakeholders, especially the youth, remain central to defeating evolving threats.
He expressed gratitude to the Governors of Borno and Yobe States for their unflinching cooperation and support, and extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for championing the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at rebuilding conflict-affected communities.
In his concluding remarks, General Musa condemned the recent suicide bomb attacks in parts of Borno State, describing them as cowardly acts of desperation. He expressed condolences to the victims and reaffirmed the military’s resolve to secure every inch of Nigerian territory.
The conference closed on an uplifting note, with a resounding message that the youth of the North-East are not only the future, they are the present force for peace, resilience, and national unity.
