Cross section of stakeholders who attended the workshop in Sokoto
By ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –
The Regional Programme Manager, North East Youth Development Initiative (NEYIF), Dr Abu Suraj has revealed why insecurity continues to linger in the north, despite several efforts to end the menace.
Dr. Suraj emphasized that the harmful practice of shielding criminals due to family ties, religion, or creed must be rejected and condemned.
He urged the exposure of perpetrators and the promotion of genuine civil-military relationships in the region.
Speaking at a capacity-building training on civil-military relations organized by NEYIF in Sokoto, Dr. Suraj noted that locals often know the criminals in their midst but fear to speak out due to mistrust of security agencies or family connections.
He also highlighted that some security agencies with questionable integrity hinder efforts to combat insecurity, and people often cite various reasons for violent extremism.
“Harboring criminals under any guise is tantamount to adding fertilizer to their heinous enterprise.” He warned
On drivers of violent extremism, Dr Suraj listed marginalization, socio-economic deprivation, identifying crisis, lack of belonging, religious, corruption, poverty, withdrawal from family and community amongst many others as possible propellers of radicalism and violent extremism.
He reiterated that the 2-day capacity-building training, themed: “Strengthening Civil-Military Collaboration for Enhanced Community Safety and Effective Counter-Banditry Operations and Terrorism,” was very apt. Hence, engaging communities for positive development and inclusivity is a surefire way to prevent individuals from falling prey to criminals who seek to exploit vulnerable minds.
Ealier in his opening remarks, the Executive Director of NEYIF, Alhaji Dauda Gombe said all hands must be on the deck to prevent violent extremism.
Gombe, who pathetically advised that kinetic approach alone cannot end violent extremism, insurgency and banditry, however called for all inclusive, multi sectoral and multi dimensional approach to finding lasting solution to insecurity in Nigeria.
