Connect with us

National News

International Day Against Extremism: BRAVE-IT Urges Unity, Smarter Security as Nigeria Battles Terror

Published

on

International Day Against Extremism: BRAVE-IT Urges Unity, Smarter Security as Nigeria Battles Terror

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

As the world marked the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when it is conducive to terrorism, the National Coordinator of Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism, Insurgency and Terrorism (BRAVE-IT), Dr AK Peters, has called for stronger national unity, improved security strategies, and deeper community resilience to confront Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.

Speaking to commemorate the United Nations-designated day, Dr Peters said the occasion was not just a ceremonial observance but a moment for renewed national commitment to safeguard lives and defend shared values.

He lamented that Nigeria continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency across several regions, particularly in the Northeast, Northwest, and parts of the North-Central.

According to him, attacks on civilians, abductions of schoolchildren, ambushes on security personnel, and destruction of communities represent “crimes against humanity” that threaten the nation’s stability and collective future.

“No ideology or grievance can justify the taking of innocent lives,” he declared, condemning in strong terms the wave of violent attacks across the country.

“Violence against civilians is evil, and the recruitment of young people into extremist networks is a direct assault on our shared humanity.”

While condemning the perpetrators, Dr. Peters emphasised that prevention requires more than words.

He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to adopt more intelligence-driven, technology-enabled, and community-based strategies to counter evolving threats.

The National Coordinator advocated increased investment in surveillance systems, border security, deradicalisation initiatives, and improved welfare for security personnel.

At the same time, he acknowledged the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local vigilante groups.

He acknowledged that numerous officers have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and demanded ongoing national support for their efforts.

Dr Peters also highlighted the importance of international collaboration, particularly partnerships between Nigeria and the United States in counterterrorism training, intelligence sharing, and capacity building.

Violent extremism, he said, is a transnational threat that requires coordinated global action.

However, he stressed that security operations alone cannot defeat extremism.

According to him, poverty, marginalisation, injustice, and lack of opportunity create fertile grounds for radicalisation. Through BRAVE-IT, he said the focus remains on strengthening resilience within families, schools, faith institutions, and local communities.

He urged community leaders, parents, and civil society groups to remain vigilant, encourage critical thinking among youths, and reject narratives that promote hate and division.

“Silence enables violence. Unity defeats it,” he stated, calling on Nigerians to report suspicious activities and refuse to provide safe haven to criminal elements.

Dr. Peters further appealed to political leaders to avoid politicising insecurity, noting that violent extremism does not discriminate based on party, tribe, or religion.

“When violence strikes, it strikes Nigeria,” he said, urging bipartisan cooperation to develop a sustainable national security framework beyond election cycles.

Reaffirming BRAVE–IT’s commitment to prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs, he called on all stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, and international partners, to work collectively to dismantle extremist networks and restore peace.

“History will judge our generation not by the size of the threats we faced, but by the unity we forged in confronting them,” Dr Peters said.

He expressed optimism that through collaboration, resilience, and shared resolve, Nigeria can overcome violent extremism and secure a future where citizens live without fear.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

National News

Dr Dikwa Hails Dr Mai Adamu’s  Appointment to National Salaries Commission

Published

on

By

Dr Dikwa Hails Dr Mai Adamu  Appointment to National Salaries Commission

Dr Dikwa Hails Dr Mai Adamu’s  Appointment to National Salaries Commission

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Founder and President of Al-Ansar Foundation, Dr. Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, has congratulated Dr. Mai Adamu Yau following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a member of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), describing the development as a fitting recognition of years of exemplary public service.

In a congratulatory message  Dr. Dikwa said the appointment reflected the Federal Government’s confidence in Dr. Yau’s integrity, competence and commitment to national development.

He expressed confidence that the new appointee would bring his vast professional experience to bear in advancing the commission’s mandate of promoting fairness, equity and sustainable wage administration across the country.

“Your appointment is a well-deserved recognition of your unwavering integrity, exceptional competence and decades of dedicated service to our nation. It is a testament to the confidence reposed in your professional ability and outstanding record in public service,” Dr. Dikwa said.

The Al-Ansar Foundation president recalled that he first worked with Dr. Yau more than 27 years ago at the Office of the Accountant-General of Borno State, where the latter served under his leadership.

According to him, Dr. Yau distinguished himself through diligence, humility, professionalism, trustworthiness and an unwavering commitment to excellence—qualities that laid the foundation for his rise to become the Accountant-General of Borno State before his latest national appointment.

“I witnessed first-hand your dedication to duty, honesty and professionalism. Those qualities have continued to define your career and have now culminated in this important national responsibility,” he added.

Dr. Dikwa said Dr. Yau’s career progression should serve as an inspiration to young professionals, stressing that integrity, perseverance, sincerity and the fear of God remain enduring values that attract greater responsibilities and recognition.

Although he is currently outside Nigeria on official engagements, Dr. Dikwa said he could not allow the occasion to pass without personally congratulating his “distinguished brother and former colleague” on the milestone.

He prayed for divine wisdom, sound health and strength for Dr. Yau as he takes up his new role, expressing hope that his tenure would be marked by justice, fairness and impactful service to the country.

“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and divine guidance as you assume this important national assignment. May your service be characterised by justice, fairness and lasting impact for the benefit of Nigeria and humanity,” he prayed.

The Al-Ansar Foundation also joined family members, friends, associates and well-wishers in celebrating the appointment, wishing Dr. Yau a successful tenure at the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

 

Continue Reading

National News

Prof. PLO Lumumba Expected as Guest Speaker at Presentation of Book on Transformational Leadership

Published

on

By

Prof. PLO Lumumba Expected as Guest Speaker at Presentation of Book on Transformational Leadership
 Prof. PLO Lumumba Expected as Guest Speaker at Presentation of Book on Transformational Leadership

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Renowned Kenyan lawyer, academic and governance advocate, Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba, is expected to serve as the guest speaker at the public presentation of Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era, a new book that examines the leadership of former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai.

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s foremost public intellectuals, Prof. Lumumba has earned international recognition through his lectures and public engagements on leadership, ethics, governance and nation-building, making him a prominent figure for the academic discourse planned around the book’s launch.

Ahead of the official presentation, the book’s author, Dr. M.S. Abubakar, presented a copy of the publication to Prof. Lumumba in Nairobi, Kenya, formally inviting him to participate in the event scheduled for September 16, 2026, in Abuja.

Published by Sprezzatura Publishing Ltd, Military Transformational Leadership in Action: The Buratai Era offers a scholarly examination of the reforms and leadership strategies implemented during Buratai’s tenure as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff between 2015 and 2021, a period marked by insurgency, banditry and other evolving security threats.

Rather than serving as a biography, the book analyses how transformational leadership principles were applied within the Nigerian Army through reforms in military doctrine, institutional development, operational readiness, troop welfare and civil-military relations during one of the country’s most challenging security periods.

Drawing on military records, policy documents, interviews and detailed research, Dr. Abubakar explores how the Nigerian Army adapted its operational doctrine to confront the Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency while responding to emerging security challenges in the North-West and Middle Belt.

The publication also evaluates reforms in training, logistics, equipment acquisition and command structures, alongside leadership decisions aimed at strengthening troop morale, discipline and public confidence in the armed forces.

According to the author, the book presents the Buratai era as a case study in transformational and crisis leadership, highlighting strategic decisions, institutional reforms and practical lessons that could benefit military professionals, policymakers, scholars and students of leadership, governance and security studies.

 

Continue Reading

National News

Nasarawa Governor’s Spokesman, Ali Abare, Wins National Excellence Award

Published

on

By

Nasarawa Governor’s Spokesman, Ali Abare, Wins National Excellence Award

Nasarawa Governor’s Spokesman, Ali Abare, Wins National Excellence Award

By Auwal Ahmad

The Senior Special Assistant on Media to Abdullahi Sule, Mallam Ali Abare, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence for his contributions to public communication and his role in amplifying government activities in Nasarawa State.

The recognition was conferred by the Your Vote Is Your Voice Africa Initiative during a presentation ceremony held on Friday at the Press Centre, Government House, Lafia.

Presenting the award, the Chairman of the organisation, Babatunde Adebayo, said Abare emerged from a nationwide selection process that assessed competence, consistency and professional integrity among media practitioners.

According to Adebayo, the award is not only a personal recognition for Abare but also a reflection of the critical role of responsible journalism and effective communication in strengthening democratic governance.

“At a time when misinformation and divisive narratives are becoming more pronounced ahead of the 2027 general elections, professionals who remain committed to truth and national unity deserve to be celebrated,” he said.

The organisation, which focuses on voter education, civic engagement and youth participation in democracy, said it formally launched its Nigerian operations in January 2026 with a mission to promote credible and inclusive electoral processes across Africa.

Its officials also disclosed plans to deploy election observers to Nasarawa State in the 2027 general election cycle, as part of broader efforts to support transparency and counter negative perceptions about Nigeria’s democratic system.

They raised concerns over rising ethnic and religious tensions in parts of the country, urging media practitioners to use their platforms to foster unity and peaceful coexistence.

Members of the delegation commended Abare’s communication style, describing it as consistent, factual and impactful in helping citizens better understand government policies and programmes.

A seasoned journalist and development communication expert, Abare has built a reputation for covering governance, politics and social development issues over the years. His colleagues within the Lafia press circle described the honour as well deserved, noting his professionalism and balanced approach to public information.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025. Northeast Magazine, All Right Reserved..