UNDP, Japanese govt, peacekeeping centre partner on counter-terrorism training

The Commandant, Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM), Major General Wisdom Etuk, has said that West Africa defeating terrorism and all forms of extreme violence required concerted efforts, including capacity building for stakeholders.

Etuk, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the inauguration of Countering Violent Extremism Course 5/24 held at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration, Lagos, Monday, expressed worries that violent extremism has continued to threaten peace, security and human dignity.

“It creates fear, ignorance and desperation, leaving destruction and heartbreak in its wake. Education remains the key to prevent extremism as it fosters critical thinking, empathy and understanding.

“The United Nations’ Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to prevent violent extremism emphasises the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses not only security based counter-terrorism measures but also systematic preventive steps to address the underlying conditions that drive individuals to radicalise and join violent extremist groups.

“Hence this course could not have come at better time than now, as it resonates with the UN Planned Action for Countering Violent Extremism.”

Etuk therefore urged the participants to approach the course with open mind and utmost dedication to learning.

Following the success achieved in previous trainings, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Japanese Government and Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre took the Counter Terrorism Course to Lagos State.

The course, which opened Monday, was the fifth in the series to be organised by the partners. So far, 402 people have benefited from the previous four cohorts of the course and were said to be applying the expertise in their respective places of assignment

Three courses would be taught during the two-week period, including Leadership and National Cohesion, Comprehensive Protection of Civilians, and Countering Violent Extremism. These are designed to develop human capacity to understand the complex drivers of violent extremism, develop effective strategies to prevent radicalisation, and foster international cooperation and collaboration aimed at defeating violent extremism.

Speaking, the Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security Unit, UNDP, Mr. Matthew Alao, said the course was a demonstration of a collective resolve to address the pressing contemporary challenge facing humanity.

According to him, participants were drawn from six countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“It is not debatable that violent extremism poses significant threats to the peace, stability and sustainable development of the ECOWAS sub-region, especially Nigeria. The challenges that the menace constitute to the realisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030 in the sub-region are enormous. As such, our response must equally be pungent, swift, borderless and unified.”

Alao added that the tripartite partnership of MLAILPKC, the Japanese government and UNDP to counter violent extremism was complementing wider national, regional and continental counterterrorism strategies and frameworks.

“These include the ECOWAS counter-terrorism strategy, the African Union Counter Terrorism Framework, as well as Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Strategy and Terrorism Prevention Act, which aimed to confront the menace bluntly and mitigate the impact of violent extremism on the continent.

“We are embarking on yet another journey of immense importance. A journey that will equip the participants with the knowledge and skills to contribute their quotas to the fight against violent extremism in West Africa and the African continent.

The Japanese government was represented at the opening ceremony by the Defence Attaché to the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Morita Tatsuya.

He expressed the Japanese’ commitment to supporting essential training for African-led peace support operations and capacity building in the continent.

He noted that although direct defence cooperation between Japan and Nigeria was yet to be realised, Japan would like to work towards a stronger partnership, adding that Japan recognized the significant role of African-led Peace Support Operations in maintaining peace and stability in Africa.

According to him, Japan has supported Peacekeeping Operation (PKO) training in partnership with UNDP and PKO training centres for the past six years.

“Since the first Defence Attaché was attached to our Embassy in 2015, the friendship between Japan and Nigeria in the area of defence has been strengthened.

“We hope that this training will provide you with necessary knowledge to combat violent extremism and to protect people in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region. Japan remains committed to peace and stability in Africa through human resource development in partnership with UN agencies,” Morita stated.

Inaugurating the course, the Commandant, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Maj Gen A.T. Adedoja, said the course signalled a new era of hope and cooperation in the fight against violent extremism, adding that it was designed to equip participants with effective strategies and best practices in preventing and countering violent extremism.

“This course will also provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of violent extremism, effective counter-strategies and best practices against violent extremism, and the expertise necessary to foster inclusive and resilient communities through engagements and counter narratives. It will also dissect the complex dynamics of radicalisation and its effects on society, amongst others.

“To tackle the scourge of violent extremism, governments, civil society and international organisations must collaborate and coordinate efforts to address its root, share information and engage in capacity building,” Adedoja said.