The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Chris Musa, has called on Nigerian students and youths to leverage social media as a tool for promoting public vigilance, peace, and intelligence sharing in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
Speaking at a one-day multi-sector Conference on Countering Extremist Ideology, Insurgency, and Terrorism held in Maiduguri, Borno State, Musa stressed that citizens play a critical role in national security, noting that security agencies cannot be everywhere at once.
“Silence is no longer an option. The people are critical stakeholders in intelligence gathering. Sometimes, all it takes is one phone call to make the difference,” he said.
Highlighting the potential of youths, particularly in the North-East where over 70% of the population are young people, Musa urged students to use peaceful advocacy, research, and collaboration with security agencies to protect their schools and communities from radicalisation.
The CDS also inaugurated the Student Against Violent Extremism (SAVE) Task Forces, describing the initiative as a network of young peace ambassadors dedicated to countering extremist narratives at the grassroots.
Addressing the new SAVE members, Musa added, “Walk the talk. Be the examples you seek in others. Lead with integrity, commitment, and courage. Let us use social media, TV, and radio to counter extremist narratives and promote peace. The future is bright when the youth rise for peace.”
