BOOK REVIEW
Titled: Taking A Stand Against Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry: Admonition to Nigerian Youths
Author: General CG Musa, OFR
Publication date: April,2025
Number of pages: 197
ISBN: 978-978-58999-7-9
Publisher: Sprezzatura Publishing Ltd
In a world increasingly beset by the scourge of insurgency and terrorism, General CG Musa’s “Taking a Stand against Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry: Admonition to Nigerian Youths” emerges as a clarion call for the youth of Nigeria. This compelling work is not merely a book; it is an impassioned plea from a seasoned military leader who understands that the future of national security lies in the hands of its young citizens. Through his insightful narrative, General Musa seeks to inform, educate, and challenge Nigerian youths to actively engage in their country’s security landscape, urging them to rise against Boko Haram and other criminal elements threatening the very fabric of society.
In “Taking a Stand against Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry: Admonition to Nigerian Youths,” General CG Musa presents a clarion call to the Nigerian youth, urging them to become active participants in the nation’s security landscape. This book serves not only as a guide but also as an empowering tool designed to inform and educate young Nigerians about the pressing issues of insurgency and terrorism that threaten their future. General Musa emphasizes that the fight against Boko Haram and other criminal elements is not solely the responsibility of the military; rather, it requires a collective effort from all segments of society, particularly the youth who are often at the forefront of these challenges. He implores them to rise up, take ownership of their communities, and engage in proactive measures that can help restore peace and stability.
Drawing on his extensive experience as Chief of Defense Staff and Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, General Musa articulates a vision where winning the hearts and minds of local communities becomes paramount in counterinsurgency efforts. His belief that understanding and addressing the root causes of insurgency can significantly diminish recruitment opportunities for these groups resonates deeply throughout the text. As you delve into this book, you will find yourself not just reading words on a page but engaging in a vital conversation about responsibility, resilience, and hope for Nigeria’s future.
The book comprises seventeen chapters, alongside a preface which addresses the main reason for writing the book, and an introduction penned by the author. “Our greatest and most invaluable asset in the ongoing fight against insurgents and bandits terrorizing our communities is undoubtedly the unwavering support and active participation of our vibrant young people. This is precisely why I am earnestly appealing to all youths across Nigeria to unite and collaborate harmoniously with the government in our shared quest for peace and security. It is within our collective interest to foster an environment of tranquility, as it is only in such a peaceful setting that meaningful development can occur and thrive. Only after we have achieved this crucial peace can we begin to engage in important discussions about job creation, enhancing educational opportunities, promoting skill acquisition programs, ensuring access to good health services, revitalizing agriculture, and addressing numerous other pressing issues that affect our lives,” wrote the author in the preface.
The opening chapter, named “Understanding Terrorism,” distills the complexities of terrorism and its operational methods into accessible language for the general reader. The second chapter, “Roots of Insurgency,” delves into the underlying causes of insurgency in Nigeria and proposes strategies for addressing these issues. Moving on, Chapter Three, titled “The Impact of Banditry,” examines how banditry influences northern Nigeria.
In Chapter Four, “The Role of the Youth in Society,” the author specifically engages with the primary audience of the book, making this chapter a pivotal part of the narrative. Chapter Five, “Building a Culture of Peace,” explores the processes and methodologies necessary for establishing peace, drawing on the eight pillars of positive peace. The General wrote that, “Peace building is fundamentally about the intentional efforts individuals make to cultivate and sustain peace within their communities and beyond.” Subsequent chapters—Six through Ten—are titled “Power of Community,” “Power of Education,” “Community Vigilance,” “The Importance of Leadership,” and “The Role of Technology.” Each of these sections addresses critical elements in counterinsurgency efforts, highlighting the connections between community, education, technology, vigilance, and intelligence. “Community vigilance can be defined as the proactive engagement and collective awareness exhibited by members of a community to ensure the safety, well-being, and integrity of their shared environment. This concept encompasses not only the monitoring of potential threats or undesirable behaviors but also the promotion of positive social interactions and mutual support among residents,” wrote General Musa.
Chapter Eleven, “Understanding Human Rights,” emphasizes the significance of fundamental human rights and the necessity to respect one another’s rights. Recognizing dialogue as essential for conflict management and resolution, the author aptly names Chapter Twelve “The Importance of Dialogue.” In Chapter Thirteen, “The Impact of Poverty,” General Musa discusses strategies to combat poverty through entrepreneurship and innovation, while also shedding light on initiatives from the Tinubu administration that focus on youth job creation through organizations like SMEDAN and BoI. The author wrote that, “The government of President Bola Tinubu is placing significant emphasis on job creation for the youth of Nigeria, recognizing that sustainable economic growth hinges on empowering this demographic through entrepreneurship. Central to this initiative are the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Bank of Industry (BoI), both of which are pivotal in providing financial support and resources to young entrepreneurs. By facilitating access to loans aimed at starting and expanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Tinubu administration is not only addressing unemployment but also fostering innovation and economic diversification. SMEDAN has been a cornerstone in Nigeria’s efforts to promote small and medium enterprises.”
In Chapter Fourteen, which is aptly titled “The Role of the Media,” the author meticulously underscores the media’s crucial and multifaceted role in counterinsurgency operations on a global scale, illustrating how insurgents and terrorists strategically leverage media propaganda to further their agendas and manipulate public perception. Moving on to Chapter Fifteen, titled “Embracing Diversity,” the author passionately urges the vibrant youth of Nigeria to acknowledge and celebrate the country’s rich multicultural and multi-religious landscape, promoting a powerful message of tolerance and brotherhood among all Nigerians, regardless of their differing backgrounds. In Chapter Sixteen, which is aptly named “Resilience in the Face of Adversity,” the text emphasizes that resilience emerges as a vital attribute for communities grappling with the ongoing security threats posed by insurgency and terrorism, advocating for a united front in the face of such challenges. Finally, the concluding chapter, “Taking Action for Change,” seeks to inspire readers from all walks of life to actively engage in efforts to oppose and combat the scourges of insurgency, terrorism, and banditry, galvanizing a collective movement towards a safer future. Additionally, the book thoughtfully includes an appendix filled with relevant resources, as well as a photo album that visually documents the narratives presented throughout the text, enhancing the reader’s understanding and connection to the subject matter.
By sharing his insights and experiences as Chief of Defense Staff, General Musa aims to challenge young readers to think critically about their roles in combating these threats. He encourages them to reject apathy and instead embrace a sense of duty towards safeguarding their nation. The urgency with which he addresses this issue is palpable; he understands that without the active involvement of Nigeria’s youth, efforts to counter insurgency will falter. His message is clear: every young person has a part to play in defending their homeland against those who seek to undermine its integrity.
In “Taking a Stand against Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry,” General CG Musa emphasizes a fundamental principle that resonates deeply throughout the text: the necessity of winning the hearts and minds of the local populace in counterinsurgency operations. He articulates that without genuine engagement and understanding of the communities affected by violence, military efforts will often fall short. The insurgents thrive on discontent and grievances; thus, if we fail to address these underlying issues, we inadvertently allow them to cultivate sympathy among the very people we aim to protect. General Musa urges Nigerian youths to recognize their pivotal role in fostering trust between security forces and civilians, reinforcing that community support is not merely an asset but a critical component in dismantling insurgent networks.
The author passionately argues that effective counterinsurgency goes beyond mere military might; it requires empathy, dialogue, and collaboration with local communities. By actively participating in initiatives that promote peace and stability, young Nigerians can help bridge the gap between security forces and civilians. This approach not only undermines insurgent narratives but also empowers communities to reclaim their agency in shaping a secure environment. General Musa’s insights serve as a clarion call for youth engagement—encouraging them to become advocates for peace while challenging the status quo of fear and division fostered by insurgents. In doing so, they can play an instrumental role in transforming Nigeria’s landscape from one marred by violence into one characterized by resilience and unity.
General CG Musa is not just a military officer; he embodies the essence of strategic leadership honed through rigorous training and extensive experience. His counterinsurgency training in Colombia and China has equipped him with a diverse toolkit, allowing him to understand the multifaceted nature of insurgencies and the importance of tailored responses. As the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, he played a pivotal role in combating Boko Haram, gaining firsthand insight into both the operational challenges and the socio-political dynamics at play. Now serving as the Chief of Defense Staff, General Musa brings this wealth of knowledge to bear in his book, urging Nigerian youths to engage actively in their nation’s security landscape.
In “Taking a Stand against Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry: Admonition to Nigerian Youths,” General Musa addresses not only the immediate threats posed by insurgents but also delves into the root causes that fuel such conflicts. He emphasizes that understanding these underlying issues is crucial for dismantling recruitment channels that feed into insurgent groups. By encouraging young Nigerians to take an active role in their communities and security affairs, he aims to foster resilience against extremist ideologies. This book serves as both a call to action and a guide for youth empowerment, illustrating how collective efforts can undermine insurgent narratives and build a more secure Nigeria for future generations.
One Chapter that has captivated my interest and to me is the most important chapter of the book is Chapter Fourteen which talks about resilience. General Musa wrote that: “While counter-terrorism measures are undeniably important in the ongoing struggle to fight against the threat of terrorism, developing resilience to such acts of violence is also an essential and powerful deterrent to would-be terrorists. A population that possesses the ability to remain resilient in the face of terrorism—one that can maintain its composure and unity despite the chaos and fear that often accompany attacks on innocent civilians—is one of the most overlooked yet potentially effective tools in the multifaceted fight against terrorism. This steadfast community, refusing to be swayed or intimidated into making political concessions, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to their values and way of life, sending a strong message to terrorists that their tactics will not succeed in undermining the societal fabric or instilling fear. Through fostering this resilience, communities can create an environment that not only withstands attacks but also thrives in defiance of them, thereby weakening the very foundation upon which terrorism seeks to operate.” I totally agree with the CDS.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Taking a Stand against Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry: General CG Musa Talks to Nigerian Youths” serves as a vital call to action for the younger generation of Nigeria. Through his extensive experience and insights, General Musa not only highlights the pressing need for youth engagement in national security but also provides a roadmap for fostering resilience against insurgency. By emphasizing the significance of winning over local communities, he challenges readers to recognize their role in shaping a safer future. This book is more than just a military manual; it is an empowering manifesto that urges Nigerian youths to rise as proactive defenders of their nation, ensuring that they are not mere bystanders but active participants in the fight against those who threaten peace and stability. As you turn the pages, let the words of General Musa resonate within you—your voice and actions matter in reclaiming Nigeria’s narrative from the clutches of violence and despair.
It is my firm belief that this book should be translated into Hausa, and ideally into Arabic and French as well. Making it accessible to young people in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon is vital, as these nations are currently facing the threat of Boko Haram insurgency. By providing access to this literature, we can empower youth with insights on peaceful resistance, enhance cultural understanding, and encourage community involvement. Moreover, it will help them cultivate critical thinking abilities while they navigate their socio-political landscapes. Initiatives like this can contribute to the emergence of a well-informed generation ready to challenge extremist ideologies.
