News
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
News
Violent clash in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga Minna leaves one dead, several arrested
Violent clash in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga Minna leaves one dead, several arrested
By: Zagazola Makama
A violent confrontation among rival youths in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga, Minna, Niger State, resulted in the death of one person and the arrest of several others, security sources confirmed on Saturday.
According to sources, on Friday at about 8:00 p.m., a group of youths armed with dangerous weapons were sighted causing havoc along David Mark Road. Security operatives quickly intervened and dispersed the group.
However, at about 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, the same group engaged in a violent clash among themselves using matchets and daggers. Twelve suspects, including Ibrahim Musa, Abbah Hussaini, Babangida Gambo, and Abubakar Bala, were arrested, by the police and their weapons recovered.
Later at about 8:30 a.m., Bello Mohammed of Farm Centre, Tunga Minna, was found lying in a pool of blood. He was rushed to General Hospital Minna but was confirmed dead on arrival.
Sources said that preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was among the suspected thugs terrorizing residents in the area.
Violent clash in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga Minna leaves one dead, several arrested
News
Young fulani man killed, six cows poisoned in separate farmland incidents in Plateau state
Young fulani man killed, six cows poisoned in separate farmland incidents in Plateau state
By: Zagazola Makama
A 25-year-old Fulani man, Yakubu Salisu of Tenti village, Bokkos Local Government Area, was killed in a violent attack, while six cows were poisoned in a separate incident in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Saturday, authorities confirmed.
According to sources , Salisu was stabbed at the back by yet-to-be-identified assailants suspected to be locals of Bokkos. He died instantly at the scene.
Before the attack, a farmer, Josiah Joshua, 28, said he reportedly confronted six herders rearing cows on his farm. According to him, herders allegedly refused to remove the animals and attacked Joshua, resulting in injuries.
In retaliation, Joshua mobilized his friends to attack Yakubu Salisu, stabbing him multiple times on his before and killing him instantly.
Local leaders told Zagazola that the claims by some parties suggesting the Fulani victims “invaded farmlands” are false and appear to be an attempt to justify the attacks. Investigations indicate both incidents were unprovoked and targeted.
The police, however stormed the scene, photographed the corps and later released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites, as the family declined an autopsy. The Authorities said they have commenced investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, in Riyom LGA, six cows were poisoned in Kwi village without any apparent provocation.
Authorities have commenced investigations into both incidents, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
Security officials warned residents to remain vigilant and urged communities to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
These incidents illustrate the rising tensions in Plateau State, drawing attention to the need for swift intervention to prevent escalation of communal violence over farmland disputes.
Young fulani man killed, six cows poisoned in separate farmland incidents in Plateau state
News
Silent Changes, Big Impact: Adeola Ajayi’s Transformation of the DSS
Silent Changes, Big Impact: Adeola Ajayi’s Transformation of the DSS
By: Sunday Oladapo
Leadership in the security sector often reveals itself not through grand speeches or public displays of authority, but through quiet, deliberate decisions that gradually shift systems, culture, and outcomes. Adeola Ajayi’s stewardship of the Department of State Services (DSS) exemplifies this subtle but powerful form of leadership. Though he rarely seeks the spotlight, the changes unfolding under his watch are reshaping the DSS in ways that many insiders describe as the most meaningful transformation the agency has witnessed in years.
From the moment Ajayi assumed office, it was clear he was bringing a different kind of energy—one rooted in discipline, modernization, and strategic silence. Instead of sweeping pronouncements, he focused on strengthening the agency’s foundation: its people, processes, and purpose. And this approach, though understated, is now yielding visible dividends.
Reinvigorating Professionalism and Intelligence Capacity
One of Ajayi’s most significant achievements is the recalibration of the DSS’s intelligence framework. Recognizing that modern threats—from terrorism to cybercrime—require an intelligence service that is both proactive and technologically sophisticated, he initiated targeted reforms to upgrade analytical tools, digital surveillance capacity, and field operations coordination.
Training programs have also been revitalized. Officers are now exposed to global best practices in intelligence gathering, behavioral analysis, cybersecurity, and inter-agency communication. The goal is simple but transformative: build a DSS that can prevent threats before they materialize, rather than merely responding after damage has been done.
Ajayi’s emphasis on data-driven intelligence has contributed to more efficient threat assessment, improved crisis response, and a more agile internal structure that encourages innovation instead of outdated, rigid protocols.
Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration
A common weakness in Nigeria’s security architecture has been fragmentation—agencies working in silos, often competing rather than collaborating. Ajayi has worked quietly but effectively to change this dynamic. His leadership has fostered smoother cooperation between the DSS, the police, the military, and other national security institutions.
By prioritizing information-sharing, joint operations, and coordinated strategy development, Ajayi has positioned the DSS as a core driver of national security synergy. This shift may not be flashy, but its impact on operational success is already becoming evident.
Humanizing the Service and Rebuilding Public Trust
For many years, perceptions of the DSS fluctuated between respect and apprehension, largely due to concerns over transparency and human-rights practices. Ajayi has taken deliberate steps to address this by promoting a more professional, rights-conscious operational culture. Officers now undergo enhanced training on ethical conduct, community engagement, and communication.
While the DSS is not—and cannot be—a public-relations-driven institution, Ajayi understands that a modern security service must maintain a level of trust with the citizens it protects. His reforms are gradually helping to redefine the agency’s public interface, balancing its mandate for secrecy with an improved commitment to professionalism and accountability.
Internal Welfare and Institutional Stability
Security agencies perform best when their personnel feel valued, motivated, and well-equipped. Ajayi has strengthened internal welfare systems, ensuring officers receive improved support, clearer career growth opportunities, and the tools they need to perform effectively. This has boosted morale and reduced internal friction—two factors crucial for operational efficiency.
His quiet stabilizing influence has also brought a sense of predictability to DSS operations. Under his leadership, the agency appears more insulated from political turbulence, allowing it to focus squarely on its mandate.
A Leadership Style Rooted in Strategy, Not Spectacle
In a time when some leaders rely on bravado or theatrics to appear effective, Ajayi stands out for his disciplined restraint. His philosophy seems guided by a fundamental principle: a security agency’s success is measured in outcomes, not headlines. The calmness of his leadership style has enabled him to pursue reforms without unnecessary noise, distractions, or politicization.
And this may be the true hallmark of his impact—delivering change through consistency rather than controversy.
Looking Ahead: A Long-Term Blueprint for the DSS
If the momentum of Ajayi’s reforms is sustained, the DSS could emerge as a more modern, reliable, and globally respected intelligence service. His agenda sets a foundation for:
A culture of professionalism over patronage
A stronger intelligence-driven approach to national security
A more integrated and collaborative security environment
A service that balances secrecy with lawful, ethical conduct
A stable institution that prioritizes national interest above all else
His leadership demonstrates that meaningful reform does not always come with fanfare. Sometimes, it comes quietly—through silent changes that produce big, enduring impact.
In transforming the DSS with such strategic subtlety, Adeola Ajayi is not only redefining the institution but also showing that a new era of thoughtful, modern security leadership is both possible and already taking shape.
Sunday Oladapo is a public analysts from Abuja
Silent Changes, Big Impact: Adeola Ajayi’s Transformation of the DSS
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