Countering Violent Extremist Requires Holistic Approach To Combating Terrorism – Dr Fatima Akilu

Countering Violent Extremist Requires Holistic Approach To Combating Terrorism – Dr Fatima Akilu

The founder of NEEM Foundation Dr Fatimo Akilu in her speech has said Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Programme represents the first attempt at a holistic response to combatting terrorism in Nigeria. 
This was revealed at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Second Lectures Series held at the Centre which was titled; Countering Violent Extremism in Nigeria: Role of Rehabilitation and Reintegration. The second lecture series was organized by NARC to bring topical issues of national importance to the front burner in order to proffer workable solutions.

According to the Guest Speaker CVE approach was established to stem the tide of radicalization, reduce the incidence of violent activities, change the behavior of violent extremists and counter the narrative of extreme groups while promoting core national values. 
Dr Akilu said to achieve these goals; three streams of the CVE Programme were identified with different layers of both state and non-state actors of Counter Radicalization, De – Radicalization and Strategic Communication. She maintained that as long – term response to terrorism, poverty alleviation and job creation must be adequately addressed by the government at all level.

She posited that it is for this reason that a Presidential Initiative for the North East, a regional economic revitalization plan was developed as part of the CVE programme known as PINE which later transformed into North East Development Commission (NEDC).
In his remarks the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen TY Buratai reiterated that the Nigerian Army (NA) will continue to conduct its operation in the North East with International best practices. He said the role of rehabilitation and integration is one of the key programme of Operation Safe Corridor.

He explained that the military role among others is to facilitate the effort of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and International Non-Governmental Organizations to have access to the victims of terrorism through Operation SAFE CORRIDOR.

The COAS congratulated the Guest Speaker Dr Fatima Akilu for a thoroughly researched paper and that the NA is ready to partner with NEEM Foundation in order to achieve individual and collective goals in this regards.