Participants at the counter insurgency and violent extremism seminar organised by the Nigeria Army said the programme had strengthened the synergy for collective participation in the fight against terrorism.
The participants told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews on Friday in Damaturu that the seminar had also strengthened civilian military relationship in the state.
Imam Musa Aliyu, a Muslim cleric, said: “Initially the relationship between civilians and the military was weak.
“Until recently, there was no trust between civilians and security, the relationship was full of suspicion but such platforms provide room for the building of trust.’’
Malam Bukar Mustapha, another cleric, said with the new development, the populace now see the fight against insurgency as a collective responsibility.
Alhaji Sani Abubakar, an Islamic scholar, said “the people are now carried along and are willing to provide useful information in the counter insurgency programme”.
Malam Muhammad Musa, a teacher, said the military has evolved a healthy relationship based on mutual trust to collectively combat terrorism.
Mr Tanimu Ishaku, a student, said “with this trust and understanding, l am willing to cooperate and volunteer information to the security without fear of molestation”.
NAN reports that office of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Thursday organised a one-day sensitisation for religious leaders and students on Counter Insurgency and Violent Extremism in Nigeria through authentic religious enlightenment.
