CDS Inaugurates Student Group to Combat Violent Extremism in Nigeria

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has inaugurated a student-led group aimed at countering violent extremism, underscoring the critical role of youth in safeguarding Nigeria’s national security.

Speaking at a conference in Maiduguri themed “Countering Violent Extremism: The Role of Educational Institutions and Students”, General Musa warned that extremist groups are increasingly exploiting poverty, illiteracy, and social inequality to radicalize vulnerable populations, particularly in the country’s Northeast.

“The battle against terrorism is not one that can be won by military might alone,” the CDS said. “We need to win the hearts and minds of our people and our students are essential allies in this fight.”

The student group, formally launched under the auspices of the Nigerian military’s community engagement strategy, is designed to promote civic awareness, resilience, and ideological resistance to extremist narratives. The initiative encourages young Nigerians to become “security stakeholders” in their schools and communities by using platforms such as social media, campus radio, television, and peer dialogue to spread counter-extremism messaging.

General Musa urged the students to take ownership of the initiative and become advocates for peace and unity, adding that education remains a vital tool in disarming the ideologies of hate and division.

“Extremists fear an enlightened society. They thrive where there is ignorance and division. Your role as students is to counter that with knowledge, empathy, and unity,” he told the participants.

The initiative complements broader national strategies coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which recently convened a high-level validation workshop on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE). That forum emphasized the importance of inclusive communication strategies and local community partnerships in achieving sustainable peace.

Stakeholders at the student engagement applauded the Defence Headquarters for proactively integrating educational institutions into national security efforts. They called for sustained collaboration between the military, civil society, and academia to ensure that young Nigerians are equipped to resist radical influences.

The launch of the student group comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with the lingering effects of insurgency, banditry, and extremist violence in several regions. Authorities hope this youth-focused initiative will build long-term resilience and strengthen national unity from the ground up.