The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Government of the Netherlands has reaffirmed its commitment to Countering and Preventing Violent Extremism in the Northwestern part of Nigeria in particular and the nation in general, so as to address security challenges.
The Head, Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Mrs. Mairo Musa Abbas disclosed this during a workshop, tagged Masterclass V on preventing and countering violent extremism in the Northwestern states of the Nation, organised by the office of the National security Adviser in collaboration with the Government of the Netherlands, held in Kano from 22-24 February, 2022.
Mario Abbas on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd) explained that the objectives of the Masterclass V for kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Sokoto were to understand and apply key PVE concepts, tools and approaches in decision making and implementation; understand the Counter Terrorism and P/CVE Plan of Action and approach of Nigeria and make the link to the state level; among others.
She maintained that with regards to the challenges experienced in combating terrorism and other forms of extreme violence, the Federal Government of Nigeria decided that the kinetic approach alone cannot eradicate the threat.
“To this effect, the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for PCVE was developed in 2017. This policy framework adopts the non-kinetic or soft approach comprising of “Whole-of-Government” and a “Whole-of-Society approach” as Nigeria’s strategy to encourage the active participation of all stakeholders in building networks of peace for safer and resilient communities across Nigeria,” she said.
In his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji said the workshop was very timely, especially in this era the nation is facing security Challenges.
He said his administration had embarked on sensitization and enlightenment campaigns through sermons in religious institutions aimed at channeling the minds of youth against extremism and terrorism.
Earlier, the Ambassador of Netherlands Harry Van Dijk represented by Ayinde Soule said the workshop was the fifth edition of the Masters class organized by the Office of the NSA and the Government of the Netherlands aimed at enhancing security in the country.
The workshop was attended by Participants from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and the Sokoto States.
Ozoya Imohimi
Head Strategic Communication
CTC, ONSA
