Urgently Needed – Youth Inclusion in Nigeria’s Insecurity War
By Kabir Abdulsalam
Young people constitute a significant demographic dividend for Nigeria. Their energy, enthusiasm, and innovative spirit make them invaluable assets in the fight against insecurity.
Unfortunately, extremism, terrorism, and banditry have been responsible for various killings and wanton destruction in the north and other parts of Nigeria. Also, it is crucial to acknowledge that the youth are also susceptible to recruitment by extremist groups.
Young people are easier targets for recruitment by extremist groups due to peer pressure, drug use, gang involvement, prior delinquency, family member gang involvement, membership in a cult, and the quest for adventure, among others.
Despite their involvement in violent extremism, it is recognized globally that youth can be equal partners in its prevention. However, a growing ‘youth bulge’ of unemployable young people trying to survive—and subject to recruitment by armed extremist groups—is problematic and can even present a threat to prosperity and peace.
Currently, Nigeria’s population stands at 217,079,601 according to “Worldometer” as of August 25, 2022. The country has the largest population of youth in the world, with a median age of 18.1 years. About 70% of the population is under 30, and 42% are under the age of 15.
Recognizing this potential, UN Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security actively encourages youth leadership in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. It urges states “to consider ways to increase the inclusive representation of youth in decision-making at all levels in local, national, regional, and international institutions and mechanisms for the prevention and resolution of conflict, including institutions and mechanisms to counter violent extremism.
This recognizes the fact that global youth today can have a real and meaningful impact on the big issues of today, in the big arenas where discussions are happening. Expectedly, the Nigerian youth population is brimming with energy, creativity, and tech-savvyness, which can potentially contribute to national security in profound ways.
While it’s true that a small portion of youths have unfortunately been drawn into the vortex of violence, it’s crucial to remember that the vast majority are not perpetrators but potential partners in forging a safer Nigeria. Their deep connection to their communities grants them invaluable insights into local dynamics and potential threats that often elude traditional security measures.
Nigerian youths have been deeply involved in various self-help projects in various local and state governments in Nigeria. Their areas of intervention cover projects involving trade, commerce, security, the economy, small and medium-term enterprises, agriculture, anti-corruption, counterterrorism, community policing, and drug-free clubs, among others.
One of the most potent weapons in the fight against insecurity is intelligence. Youths, often deeply embedded within their communities, possess invaluable insights into local dynamics and potential threats.
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According to Sophia Pierre‑Antoine, a Member of the Advisory Council of the World Young Women’s Christian Association, referencing this to the youth in Haiti, “the youths toiled daily to ensure security in their streets, peace in their homes, and justice in their communities.” Warning against toxic masculinity that allowed people to view young men in a negative light, she recommended investing in young people and the fight against racism, and ensuring that both age and gender remained integral to peace and security discussions.
Similarly, young people can become the eyes and ears of security agencies, enabling them to anticipate and prevent threats before they escalate.
This reminds us of former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s statement: “The security of our nation depends on the mobilization of the creative power of all our people. Young people bring to the national security table fresh ideas, energy, and a willingness to challenge assumptions.”
Today’s youth are digital natives, fluent in the language of technology. Their expertise in utilizing and developing tech solutions can be harnessed to enhance border security, strengthen communication networks, and streamline information gathering. From developing innovative surveillance systems to creating awareness campaigns through social media, young minds can play a pivotal role in leveraging technology for a safer nation.
While information sharing is crucial to security measures, youth inclusion extends beyond passive reporting. Young people can actively participate in community engagement initiatives, fostering dialogue and understanding between diverse groups. They can volunteer with security agencies in various capacities, assisting with tasks like public outreach, awareness campaigns, and community policing initiatives.
This is why the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerian youths to get involved in intelligence gathering for security agencies in the country.
The CDS emphasized that the youth’s inclusion was necessary to ensure that security agencies get first-hand information about the activities of criminals in various communities across the country.
The Defence Chief spoke through Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, AVM Abraham Adole, at the National Security Summit recently, in Abuja.
The defence chief highlighted that the security challenges facing the country need the collective efforts of all Nigerians, especially the youth. He urged the youth to leverage their knowledge of their communities and their technological skills to gather intelligence for the security agencies while also assuring them of the military’s support in their quest to make Nigeria a safe and secure country.
The call by the defense chief is timely, considering the current security situation in Nigeria. The involvement of youths in intelligence gathering would go a long way in providing much-needed information to security agencies. The youth’s knowledge of their communities and their ability to use technology to gather information make them a valuable asset in the fight against insecurity.
It is noteworthy that the youth have been at the forefront of various social movements in Nigeria in recent times. Their ability to mobilize and organize themselves has been impressive, and this has not gone unnoticed. General Musa’s call on the youth to get involved in intelligence gathering is an acknowledgment of their potential to contribute to Nigeria’s security.
The security challenges facing Nigeria are not insurmountable. With the right strategies in place, it is possible to overcome them. The involvement of youth in intelligence gathering is one such strategy. However, this cannot be achieved without the support of the government, security agencies, and other stakeholders.
Kabir, a Senior staff writer with PRNigeria, can be reached via [email protected]
