Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that the country’s security situation is steadily improving.
He urged citizens to continue supporting the armed forces in their efforts to restore lasting peace.
Speaking on Saturday in Maiduguri, Borno State, during a conference on countering violent extremism, Musa emphasized the importance of public cooperation in achieving total peace in the Northeast.
“I want to appeal that we should not get tired — things are getting better,” he said. “We must continue to cooperate with the security forces so that we can have lasting peace in Borno and the entire Northeast.”
The event, themed “Countering Violent Extremism:
The Role of Educational Institutions and Students,” was organized by the Kalthum Foundation for Peace, the Network of Civil Society Organisations, and the Borno State Youth Parliament.
General Musa highlighted the crucial role of youth and students in challenging extremist ideologies. “Let us use social media, television, and radio to counter extremist narratives and promote peace,” he said.
He added that the sensitisation programme was timely, aiming to foster grassroots awareness, civic responsibility, and resilience against radicalisation. “It is especially important to clarify right from wrong, as our adversaries exploit vulnerabilities like illiteracy, poverty, and divisions along ethnic and religious lines,” he noted.
Musa commended the organisers for mobilising young people and reaffirmed the role of students as key stakeholders in national security.
Earlier, the CEO of Kalthum Foundation for Peace, Ummukalthum Mohammed, thanked the CDS and other stakeholders for their dedication to the fight against Boko Haram and terrorism across the country.
After the conference, the CDS visited Maimalari Military Hospital to sympathise with wounded soldiers.
The visit was accompanied by philanthropist Dr. Paul Odili, who donated cash, medical supplies, and equipment to support the soldiers’ recovery.