Students from tertiary institutions across Borno State, alongside civil society organisations, youth groups, and community leaders, on Sunday held a peaceful solidarity rally in Maiduguri to express support for Nigeria’s security agencies in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes.
The rally, held at the Post Office Roundabout, attracted participants from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State University, Ramat Polytechnic, and Mohammed Lawan College of Agriculture.
Participants praised the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and other security personnel for their continued efforts to combat terrorism and restore peace in the region.
Speaking at the event, student leader Suleiman Muhammad Sarki urged Nigerians to reject terrorism and work together to promote national unity.
“Terrorism has killed our people, destroyed our communities and taken away our peace. This fight is not for government alone; it requires the support of every Nigerian.”
He also called on citizens to reject the payment of ransom to kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists, stressing that such payments only strengthen criminal groups. He encouraged communities to report suspicious activities, while urging parents and young people to promote peace and unity.
Participants carried placards bearing messages including “United Against Terrorism,” “Support Our Troops,” “Enough is Enough,” “Peace is Our Right,” and “Nigeria Must Win.”
Students from the Mohammed Lawan College of Agriculture appealed for greater government investment in communities affected by insurgency, noting that restoring farming activities would improve food security and speed up economic recovery.
Others highlighted the importance of education in preventing violent extremism, calling on schools to continue promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for human life.
Students of Ramat Polytechnic commended the resilience of communities that have rebuilt despite years of insurgency, while also urging Nigerians to verify information before sharing it on social media to avoid spreading misinformation that could undermine security operations.
Several speakers acknowledged the sacrifices of troops serving under Operation HADIN KAI and other security formations, describing their commitment as deserving of national appreciation.
The participants further appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the media to intensify public awareness campaigns against violent extremism.
According to the students, defeating terrorism requires a comprehensive approach that combines military operations with education, youth empowerment, community policing, intelligence sharing, and post-conflict reconstruction.
A student of the University of Maiduguri, Aisha Ibrahim, said the fight against terrorism should not be left solely to security agencies, urging citizens to contribute through vigilance, intelligence sharing, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.
She noted that sustained military operations had enabled many displaced families to return home, while schools, markets, and farming activities had gradually resumed in several communities across Borno State.
Another student, Bashir Babagana, praised the professionalism and resilience of security personnel operating under difficult conditions, saying their sacrifices deserved greater national recognition and support.
The rally concluded with prayers for civilians and security personnel who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism, as well as prayers for the safety of troops currently serving in operational areas.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting lawful efforts to defeat Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, bandits, and other criminal groups, while calling on Nigerians—regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation—to remain united in building a peaceful and secure nation.
