Connect with us

News

Parental Negligence, Unemployment, and Drug Abuse Drive Youth to Boko Haram and ISWAP–Experts

Published

on

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

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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

News

NSCDC personnel, 16 others arrested in raid of criminal hideout in Yobe

Published

on

NSCDC personnel, 16 others arrested in raid of criminal hideout in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives in Yobe State have raided a notorious criminal hideout in the Saman Tudu area of Pompomari District, Damaturu, arresting a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and 16 other suspects.

A reliable source told Zagazola Makama that the raid was carried out on Jan. 18 at about 7:20 p.m. following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation targeting criminal elements who use the area as a haven.

The source said the enclave served as a convergence point for trafficking and consumption of illicit drugs, as well as planning and execution of various criminal activities within the community.

“During the operation, the team stormed and ransacked the hideout, leading to the arrest of 17 suspects, including one Mohammed B. Kolo, identified as an NSCDC personnel attached to the Yobe State Command,” the source said.

He added that exhibits recovered from the scene included a knife, five bicycles, dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa, hemp wrapping papers, a long sack used as a mat and the sum of N8,500 found inside a sack suspected to contain the drugs.

The suspects are currently in custody while investigation is ongoing to determine their level of involvement in criminal activities.

The source said those found culpable would be charged to court for prosecution after the conclusion of investigations.

Residents were urged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to sustain the fight against crime in the state.

NSCDC personnel, 16 others arrested in raid of criminal hideout in Yobe

Continue Reading

News

Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena

Published

on

Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena

By: Zagazola Makama

Chadian security forces on Sunday recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition during a joint search operation in parts of the capital, N’Djamena, as part of intensified efforts to combat insecurity.

Sources Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out in the 10th arrondissement and parts of the 2nd arrondissement of the city.

According to the sources, the joint team of internal security forces seized 28 pistols, 14 other firearms, and more than 1,000 rounds of assorted ammunition during the raid.

They also recovered military equipment and six vehicles suspected to be linked to criminal activities.

“Two gun owners were arrested during the operation and are currently in custody for further investigation,” a senior security official said.

He explained that the exercise was conducted under the supervision of top security authorities and formed part of broader measures to dismantle criminal networks and curb the proliferation of illegal arms in the capital.

The official added that the recovery of the weapons had significantly disrupted the operations of armed groups and criminal elements in the affected districts.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Chadian security services to sustaining pressure on all groups involved in arms trafficking, banditry and other threats to public safety.

“The security forces will continue intelligence-led operations to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country,” he said.

Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena

Continue Reading

News

VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum

Published

on

VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum

To Commission Nigerian House in Davos Tomorrow

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in the alpine town of Davos, Switzerland, to lead the Nigerian delegation at the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), scheduled to be held from January 19 to 23, 2026.

The Vice President arrived from Conakry, Guinea, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the presidential inauguration of President Mamadi Doumbouya on Saturday.

He was received on arrival by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar, and Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and officials of the Nigerian mission in Switzerland.

The 2026 WEF marks a milestone in Nigeria’s global economic diplomacy with the official debut of “Nigeria House Davos.” For the first time, the Federal Government has established a dedicated sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade.

This facility, a product of a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP), will serve as a permanent hub for high-level ministerial engagements, investment roundtables, and cultural diplomacy throughout the week.

Vice President Shettima will present Nigeria’s 2026 economic outlook to the world’s most influential political and business leaders, as he participates in key plenary sessions focusing on the responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and biotechnology.

Throughout the week, the Vice President will hold bilateral meetings with heads of state, top executives from multinational corporations, and leaders of international development finance institutions to deepen partnerships that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In an interview with journalists shortly after the VP’s arrival, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole said Nigeria would makena robust presentation of investment opportunities in the country at the launch of the Nigeria House in Davos which will focus on President Tinubu’s efforts in revamping the economy.

According to the Minister, “we will be showcasing four playbooks on President Tinubu’s efforts in re-engineering the Nigerian economy. We will present our solid minerals sector, climate sustainability agriculture, creative and digital sectors to investors from all over the world.”

VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights