Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has warned that violent extremists are exploiting poverty, illiteracy, and social divisions to sustain their influence in the country, particularly in the Northeast.
Speaking on Saturday in Maiduguri at a conference aimed at tackling violent extremism, General Musa said extremist groups are not only using weapons but also manipulating vulnerable communities through misinformation and socio-economic despair.
“Our adversaries exploit vulnerabilities such as illiteracy, poverty, and the fault lines of ethnicity and religion,” the CDS said. “This is why we must continue sensitising our people and empowering them with knowledge.”
The event, themed “Countering Violent Extremism: The Role of Educational Institutions and Students”, was organised by the Khalthum Foundation for Peace in partnership with the Network of Civil Society Organisations and the Borno State Youth Parliament.
General Musa stressed that defeating terrorism requires more than military force, calling for grassroots awareness, education, and civic responsibility to challenge the ideologies that fuel extremism.
“It is time to clarify right from wrong,” he said. “Let us use our voices – through social media, radio, and television to counter their false narratives and promote peace.”
He also urged young Nigerians, especially students, to take ownership of the message, adding that “when citizens are informed and involved, terrorists lose ground.”
The CDS commended the organisers of the programme and acknowledged the critical role that students can play as security stakeholders in their communities.
Following the conference, General Musa visited Maimalari Military Hospital to extend support to wounded soldiers. Accompanied by philanthropist Dr Paul Odilli, donations in cash, drugs, and medical equipment were made to the facility.
CEO of the Khalthum Foundation for Peace, Ummukalthum Mohammed, praised the Nigerian military and other security agencies for their enduring efforts in the fight against Boko Haram and other forms of terrorism.
