• Formulates strategy to defeat militants, herdsmen
From Magnus Eze and Joy Mackson, Abuja
The Federal Government, yesterday, said having defeated Boko Haram insurgency, it would soon overcome other violent extremists like the Niger Delta militants, criminal elements amongst the herdsmen and religious bigots who cause violent conflicts in parts of the country.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir Lawal made the disclosure while opening a two-day workshop on radicalisation, de-radicalisation and counter radicalisation in Abuja.
The SGF, who was represented by Mr.Sulaiman Haliru of the Office of the SGF, said government has made significant progress in the fight against violent extremism, noting that a comprehensive strategy was already in place.
Lawal urged all Nigerians, whether soldiers on the battlefield, public officials, community leaders, teachers, entrepreneurs or students to jointly work towards the defeat of violent extremism for a peaceful nation.
“We have a comprehensive strategy which includes training, equipping men of the armed forces; stabilizing and recruiting liberated areas; stopping the flow of foreign fighters into and out of Nigeria; cutting off Boko Haram’s financing and countering its propaganda; providing life – saving humanitarian assistance and promoting political accommodations so that our military success is sustainable,” he assured.
Director General of Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) Professor Oshita Oshita, who was represented by Director of Democracy and Development Studies in the institute, Mr. Gabriel Yiya, explained that the workshop was aimed at bringing relevant stakeholders together to create a common understanding of the challenge radicalisation, de-radicalisation and counter – radicalisation in Nigeria with a view to curbing violent extremism.
Project Director, Mr. Kayode Bolaji said the outcomes of the programme would include the formulation of a policy framework that the government and people of Nigeria will work with.