Boko Haram: Diaspora Group Wants De-Radicalization Programmes For Schools In Northern Nigeria

boko-haram-Abubakar ShekauA group, the Nigeria Diaspora Security Forum, NDSF, has called on the federal government to include de-radicalization programmes in schools in northern Nigeria​ ​as a strategy towards curbing the Boko Haram insurgency.

In a statement, Tuesday, the NDSF said the suggestion was part of a report it compiled following a closed door meeting with the US Ambassador to the UK, Matthew Barzun, in London.

The statement, signed by Godwin Forson, the group’s Publicity Director, said: “In the meeting, the US Embassy official reiterated that the United States Government condemns the senseless killing and loss of lives caused by Boko Haram and other enemies of the Nigerian people.

“The United States of America will continue to render all necessary assistances required by the Nigerian Government and Nigerian Security establishment, within the well-established international legal framework”.

Other highlights of the report include a request for more collaboration with the Nigerian security experts in the diaspora to address the insurgency; that the federal government should work with the US government to develop a credible, civil military task force focused on conflict resolution and prevention; and the establishment of a tension monitoring system and first responder teams in terrorism hotspot areas.

The report also urged the government to set up a task force with the sole aim of investigating and tackling all forms of terrorism, as well as support and fund community based organizations to develop and implement the de-radicalization programmes in northern schools.

“Nigeria Diaspora Security Forum felt there was need for Nigeria Diaspora Community to intervene in the security concerns on matters of insurgency and the forthcoming 2015 election issues”, the statement added.