CDS Musa Launches Youth-Led SAVE Task Forces, Rallies Northeast Students Against Extremism
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has praised the unwavering spirit of the North-East people and called on the region’s youth to take the lead in championing peace and unity across their communities.
He made this known during the official unveiling of the Students Against Violent Extremism (SAVE 1 and SAVE 2) task forces at a strategic multi-sector conference held on Saturday in Maiduguri, Borno State.
In a press release issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the conference focused on developing new approaches to combat extremist ideologies, insurgency, and terrorism affecting the North-East.
The event was convened by the Kaltum Foundation for Peace in collaboration with the Borno State Youth Parliament and a coalition of civil society organisations. The gathering brought together student delegates, traditional rulers, non-governmental bodies, and security agencies to brainstorm grassroots strategies to combat radicalisation.
General Musa, visibly moved by his return to the region, described it as a sentimental return to familiar terrain where he previously served as commander of both Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Operation HADIN KAI.
“You represent the future, and it’s up to you to lead with values that unite, not divide,” he told the students, urging them to embrace peaceful activism.
He emphasized the crucial role of educational institutions and students in defusing extremist narratives, advocating for the constructive use of social media, community vigilance, and peer mentorship as essential tools in the battle against non-kinetic threats.
The CDS cautioned against complacency in the face of growing misinformation and identity manipulation by violent actors. “Turning a blind eye is no longer acceptable. Today’s negligence could become tomorrow’s tragedy,” he warned.
Officially launching the SAVE task forces, General Musa charged the student members with the responsibility of being peacebuilders and unifiers, dedicated to identifying at-risk peers and spreading messages of harmony and patriotism.
He also acknowledged the recent review of his book titled “Taking Stand Against Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry: Admonition to Nigerian Youth,” urging readers to provide honest critiques to help strengthen national strategies against violent threats.
According to the Defence Chief, adaptability and ongoing reflection are essential for defeating the dynamic and evolving nature of terrorism in Nigeria.
