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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
NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality
The Group Chairman Nigerian Exchange Group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga has restated the NGX’s commitment to gender equality and diversity at all levels of the organisation.
Kwairanga stated this in Lagos on Tuesday while delivering his welcome address on the occasion of the closing ceremony in honour of the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who visited the floor of the Nigerian Exchange.
He stated that the Nigerian Exchange Group as an organisation remained committed to inclusiveness that drive growth and development at all levels of the NGX’s dealings.
He stated that through such inclusive representation, the NGX has achieved near parity at the board levels of the organisation and was working to improve the representation of female employees down the line.
“As an institution committed to sustainable growth and practices, we recognise the important qualities and values that women bring to the workplace and know that they perform just as well, if not better than men.
“It is a tradition in finance and investment that can be traced to the origins of the banking, finance and investment professions when most of the trade guilds that evolved into those professions were largely composed of men.
“The tradition has persisted for hundreds of years but despite that nomenclature, let me assure you that the investment and securities sector is very welcoming to and open to city gentlemen who are female.
“Women are very well represented at all levels of our industry and I can confide in you that the next President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers is going to be a woman,” he said.
Kwairanga stated that the NGX would partner with the Ministry to accelerate progress for women’s rights and improve the lot of female gender across the country.
He commended Sulaiman-Ibrahim for her several bold and innovative initiatives that would have positive impact on women and the country as a whole.
NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality
Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 Operation Wirld Stroke deployed at FOB Bilawa-Jor conducted a fighting patrol within Mbapa and Mbabuande general areas on March 23, 2026.
During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists, neutralizing one suspect while others fled.
Following a pursuit, four additional suspects were apprehended and are currently in the custody of security forces for further investigation and prosecution.
In a similar development the troops
recovered a vehicle carrying two cows abandoned by suspected cattle rustlers in Uhemba.
The incident occurred at about 0348hrs on March 24, 2026, when the troops responded to intelligence reports of rustling activities in the area.
Upon the arrival of troops, the suspects fled, leaving behind the vehicle and livestock.
The recovered vehicle and cows are now in the custody of the troops for further investigation and legal action.
Military continue to urge the public to provide timely information on criminal activities to support ongoing security efforts.
Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA
Kogi troops neutralize suspected terrorist in Kabba/Bunu LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade have neutralized a suspected terrorist during a fighting patrol at Odoape–Adankolo Forest in Kabba/Bunu LGA.
The encounter occurred at about 1400hrs on March 23, 2026, when the patrol team made contact with the fleeing suspect.
Preliminary investigation identified the neutralized individual as a notorious terrorist involved in providing intelligence and targets for kidnappings, as well as participating in cattle rustling and supplying logs to terrorist groups.
The military has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive patrols and intelligence-led operations to curb criminal activities and protect residents in the area.
Kogi troops neutralize suspected terrorist in Kabba/Bunu LGA
NGX boss restates commitment to gender equality
General Chris Musa, Hi-tech Fencing of Nigerian Porous Borders and the Foolish Pride of Sowore
Benue troops neutralize one terrorist, arrest four suspects in Gwer West LGA
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