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Parental Negligence, Unemployment, and Drug Abuse Drive Youth to Boko Haram and ISWAP–Experts
Parental Negligence, Unemployment, and Drug Abuse Drive Youth to Boko Haram and ISWAP–Experts
By: Michael Mike
Experts have identified parental negligence, unemployment and drug abuse as some of the major factors driving young people into the ranks of Boko Haram and ISWAP.
This was one of the submissions during a broadcast of the Programme on Peace FM 102.5 Maiduguri, sponsored by the Truth Alliance—a coalition of civil society organizations—aims to expose the recruitment strategies employed by these extremist groups in Northeast Nigeria.
The programme featured speakers included Ibrahim Jidda, Executive Director of the African Mental Health Awareness and Care Initiative, and Estisfanus Dauda, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Supervisor with the Neem Foundation.
The Spokesperson for the group, Ahmad Mustapha, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the discussion, part of the ‘Time to Tell the Truth Campaign,’ utilized radio dramas, community plays, and talk shows to raise awareness and prevent further recruitment into violent extremism.
Speaking on the radio programme, Jidda highlighted fear as a primary tactic used by these groups. Jidda while noting the primary strategies of Boko Haram/ISWAP is to instill fear in people, decried that activities of violent extremist groups are among the most frightening for the human brain.
He emphasised both push and pull factors in recruitment, stressing that: “Unemployment and economic hardship are examples of push factors, while pull factors include false promises of a better life. Extremist groups lure individuals with prospects of leadership roles, marriage to a beautiful wife, and lots of money,” he noted. Behavioral changes, such as adopting a radical mode of dressing and communication, and criticizing community scholars, often signal someone leaning towards extremism.
Also speaking, Estisfanus Dauda urged parents to be vigilant. “Parents should stand up and raise their children properly; as the saying goes, charity begins at home. It’s essential to monitor their movements and friendships, ensuring they grow up to be better persons,” he advised.
He also stressed community involvement in prevention. “The community should bring closer those who display signs of extremism, rather than ostracize them. Collective effort is crucial in preventing individuals from falling into these traps,” he stated. He reiterated that drug abuse is a significant push factor in recruitment, calling on the government to intensify efforts to combat drug abuse and raise awareness about terrorist recruitment tactics.
Listeners echoed the sentiments of the speakers. Saiyidi Ibrahim from Lowcost Housing Estate, Maiduguri by describing the discussion as highly educational and urged the community to avoid drug abuse. Abdulrahman from Bakasi encouraged young people to embrace business opportunities and seek employment.
The programme underscored the need for collective action from the government, community, and parents to address the root causes of extremism and prevent youth from being recruited into violent groups.
In the statement, Mustapha stressed that The Truth Alliance is committed to unmasking the truth behind violent and extremist groups and empowering communities to resist tyranny and violence. Through education, outreach, and collaboration, the Truth Alliance strives to build a safer, more resilient society for all.
In a campaign tagged ‘Time to Tell the Truth’, the Truth Alliance has come together to expose the truth behind how violent extremist groups draw young people into their ranks. Their message is simple: These groups manipulate, they deceive, they Control, they kill, they kidnap, they destroy, and their movement as well as ideology is inherently weak.
Parental Negligence, Unemployment, and Drug Abuse Drive Youth to Boko Haram and ISWAP–Experts
Troops recover over 300 rustled livestock after clash between bandit factions
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN TANMA have recovered more than 300 rustled livestock following a confrontation involving rival bandit factions operating between Katsina and Kano states.
Sources said the development followed intelligence on movements of a faction loyal to a bandit leader identified as Muhammadu Filatan, allegedly heading towards Kano State after a clash with a rival group linked to Aleiro in Zamfara State.
The source disclosed that troops of 3 Brigade, deployed at Forward Operating Bases in Tsaure, Yanchibi, Yankwada and Lakwaya, conducted fighting patrols along the riverine boundary between Katsina and Kano states to intercept the fleeing group.
“At about 4:00 p.m., troops at FOB Tsaure made contact with armed bandits at the Gulbi–Goron Dutse axis in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, who were moving with a large herd of rustled livestock,” the source said.
He added that troops engaged the bandits in a firefight, forcing them to abandon the animals and flee towards Gidan Gora village in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
“Following the encounter, troops recovered a total of 120 cows, 200 sheep, 39 goats and three donkeys,” he said.
According to the source, the recovered livestock were subsequently handed over to authorities in Shanono Local Government Area.
Troops recover over 300 rustled livestock after clash between bandit factions
Troops intercept vehicle, recover 850 litres of fuel in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted a vehicle conveying suspected illegally supplied fuel and recovered large quantities of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Karasuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Sources said the operation was carried out at about 11:38 p.m. on March 27 by troops of 241 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jajimaji.
The source disclosed that the troops acted on credible intelligence regarding suspected illicit activities by some filling stations in the area.
“During the night patrol, troops intercepted a vehicle along the Karasuwa–Jajiri road, but the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting the troops,” the source said.
He added that a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 34 jerrycans of PMS, each containing 25 litres, amounting to about 850 litres.
According to him, troops immediately exploited the surrounding area in an attempt to apprehend the fleeing driver, but the effort was unsuccessful.
The source said the recovered items are in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to identify the filling stations allegedly involved and arrest those responsible.
Troops intercept vehicle, recover 850 litres of fuel in Yobe
ISWAP confirms death of Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, Shura Council member in Malam Fatori axis attack
By: Zagazola Makama
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has confirmed the death of a prominent member of its Shura Council, Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, describing it as a major loss to the group.
The confirmation was contained in a statement and propaganda material circulated by the group, in which it mourned the deceased and referred to his death as its “greatest loss in recent times” within the Malam Fatori axis.
Security sources said Al-Muhajir was reportedly linked to recent operations in the Lake Chad Basin, although it remains unclear whether he was killed during a failed attack on Malam Fatori or as a result of a subsequent airstrike in the same general area.
The sources further indicated that the ISWAP attack on Malam Fatori was repelled by troops, with about 80 terrorists reportedly killed during the encounter and follow-up operations.
They added that the group’s internal communication suggested that Al-Muhajir either sustained fatal injuries during the failed offensive or died later from wounds sustained in the aftermath of military strikes.
Zagazola report that the 18 March 2026 failed attack left about 84 ISWAP members killed with many others who sustained injuries.
ISWAP confirms death of Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, Shura Council member in Malam Fatori axis attack
Troops destroy illegal mining sites in Niger
Troops recover over 300 rustled livestock after clash between bandit factions
Troops intercept vehicle, recover 850 litres of fuel in Yobe
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