The Japanese ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi has expressed worry about the rise in violent extremist crimes, including terrorism, kidnapping, small-weapons smuggling and robbery in the West African region.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Countering Violent Extremism Course 3/2023 organised by the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPCK) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja, the envoy recalled how a recent military operations against terrorists resulted in civilian casualties and serious damage in some cases.
The envoy pledged the commitment of the Japanese government to contribute to the realisation of sustainable peace and stability as well as strengthening of human resource development on the African continent.
He said Japan demonstrated its commitment to the continent’s growth when in August 2022 the government, together with UNDP, the World Bank and the AUC, hosted the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Tunisia and invited African heads of state and government.
Speaking on the course which was attended by participants from other West African countries, Kazuyoshi charged the attendees to apply the knowledge and skills “you have acquired in this course.”
“This project, launched this year, focuses on strengthening the capacity of security authorities and actors in West African countries to counter violent extremism and protect civilians in armed conflict.
“In order to combat violent extremist crimes that are spreading across West Africa, it is important to have a multi-country partnership, not just a single country.
“I hope that everyone who has participated in this course has not only gained practical knowledge but also built cooperation and trust among participants from other countries,” he added.
In his remarks, the chief of training (army), Maj. Gen. Sani Muhammed who was represented by Brig. Gen. ST Audu noted that from the content of the training programme, the trained officers were being equipped with all the necessary means of counting violent extremism in a multinational peace support operations.
“It is my belief that the objectives of this course have been fully achieved. I am sure that the course must have broadened your horizon on the root causes of extremism.
“Different measures are put in place to prevent extremism and actions to take for countering violent extremism in our society. Some of these measures include kinetic and non-kinetic measures,” he said.
However, he said non-kinetic measures is the most prepared measures, which according to him include awareness campaigns of sensual exploitation and abuse, enlightenment and training of members of the armed forces and other security agencies among others.
“It is my plea that the lectures, presentations, and interactions you have been exposed to on the course have furnished you all with the necessary knowledge and skills to profess solutions to challenges in countering violent extremism.
“It is hoped that what you have learned here will reflect on your performances and general conduct in your various places of deployment or work and future endeavours,” he added.
