The Nigerian Army has highlighted the essential need for collaboration in countering violent extremism, a persistent threat to Africa and global stability. Major General Taiwo Adedoja, at the inauguration of the 2024 Countering Violent Extremism Course at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration in Lagos, emphasized the collective responsibility required to address these challenges, stating that extremism undermines human rights and hinders sustainable peace, stability, and prosperity. He echoed former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s sentiment on the broader impact of terrorism beyond immediate security threats.
The two-week course, funded by the UNDP and the Japanese government, aims to provide military personnel and civilians with knowledge and strategies to prevent and counter violent extremism. According to Major General Adedoja, the program will cover comprehensive approaches to violent extremism, best practices, and counter-narratives, helping participants foster resilience and inclusivity in communities prone to extremism.
Highlighting the collaborative nature of the initiative, Major General Adedoja acknowledged the role of partnerships with entities like the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), the UNDP, and the Japanese government. This coalition exemplifies the Nigerian Army’s commitment to global peace and stability, particularly in training personnel for deployment in conflict-prone areas.
The Guest of Honor, Major General Wisdom Etuk, commended these collaborative efforts, affirming that only through a collective approach can the root causes of violent extremism be effectively addressed. He stressed that the program aligns with the UN’s Plan of Action to prevent violent extremism, which advocates for a broad approach, including preventive measures beyond security-based responses.
Representing the UNDP, Mr. Mathew Alao reiterated the agency’s commitment to this partnership, viewing the course as a powerful tool in tackling one of today’s most critical challenges. Additionally, Japan’s Defense Attaché in Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Morita Tatsuya, reaffirmed Japan’s support for Africa’s peace and capacity-building initiatives, underscoring the longstanding defense cooperation between Japan and Nigeria.
This multi-faceted collaboration underscores the importance of united, comprehensive measures in the fight against violent extremism and the Nigerian Army’s dedication to a peaceful and secure future for the region
