In a recent program on Peace FM 102.5 Maiduguri, sponsored by the Truth Alliance—a coalition of civil society organizations that come together to expose the recruitment strategies employed by Boko Haram and ISWAP to lure youth into their ranks in the Northeast—featured Ibrahim Jidda, Executive Director of the African Mental Health Awareness and Care Initiative, and Estisfanus Dauda, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Supervisor with the Neem Foundation.
The program, which was part of the ‘Time to Tell the Truth Campaign’ of the alliance, used radio dramas, community dramas, and the talk show to create awareness to prevent further recruitment of young people into violent extremism.
During the program, Mr. Ibrahim Jidda highlighted that the violent extremist groups use fear as their primary strategy to lure violent young people.
“Activities of violent extremist groups are among the most frightening for the human brain,” Jidda explained.
“One of their primary strategies is to instill fear in people.”
He highlighted the signs that someone might be leaning towards violent extremism, emphasizing the role of both push and pull factors.
“Unemployment and economic hardship are examples of push factors, while pull factors include false promises of a better life. Extremist groups lure individuals with the prospect of leadership roles, marriage to a beautiful wife, and lots of money to lure them into their ranks,” Jidda said.
He also noted that changes in behavior, such as adopting a more radical mode of dressing, communication, and lifestyle, and beginning to criticize community scholars, can be observed from those who are about to join.
Estisfanus Dauda added that not all strange behaviors indicate involvement with extremist groups but urged vigilance.
“Parents should stand up and raise their children properly; as the saying goes, charity begins at home. It’s essential to monitor their movements and friendships, ensuring they grow up to be better persons,” he advised.
On his part, Jidda also emphasized the role of the community in prevention.
“The community should bring closer those who display signs of extremism, rather than ostracize them. Collective effort is crucial in preventing individuals from falling into these traps.” Jidda stated.
The discussion also touched on drug abuse as a significant push factor in luring or leading abusers into terrorist groups.
“Drug abuse is among the push factors I mentioned earlier,” Jidda reiterated.
Dauda called on the government to intensify efforts to combat drug abuse and raise awareness about the recruitment tactics of terrorist groups.
“The government should step up its efforts to combat drug abuse and create awareness by exposing these tactics,” he said.
Listeners who called in during the program echoed the sentiments of the speakers. Saiyidi Ibrahim from Lowcost described the discussion as highly educational and urged the community to avoid drug abuse.
Also, Abdulrahman from Bakasi encouraged young people to embrace business opportunities and seek employment.
The program highlighted the need for collective action from the government, community, and parents to address the root causes of extremism and prevent youth from being recruited into violent groups.
About Truth Alliance
The Truth Alliance is committed to unmasking the truth behind violent and extremist groups and empowering communities to resist tyranny and violence. Through education, outreach, and collaboration, the Truth Alliance strives to build a safer, more resilient society for all.
In a campaign tagged ‘Time to Tell the Truth’, the Truth Alliance has come together to expose the truth behind how violent extremist groups draw young people into their ranks. Their message is simple: These groups manipulate, they deceive, they Control, they kill, they kidnap, they destroy, and their movement as well as ideology is inherently weak.
Ahmad Jumare
Director of Programmes
Neem Foundation
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
● https://truthalliance.africa/reach-us/
● info@truthalliance.org.ng
ENDS
Press coverage
- Global Sentinel:
- TwentyOne:
https://twentyone.com.ng/21/2024/07/experts-identify-key-factors-driving-youth-to-join-bhiswap
- News Nigeria:
- The Citizen Nigeria:
- THISDAY:
Print: https://1drv.ms/i/s!AvVD8N9UwKBvgetH3twiyem2AbLmxw
- Modern Ghana:
https://www.modernghana.com/news/1326147/parental-negligence-unemployment-and-drug-abuse.html
