Events

Tuesday, May 24, 6:30PM – 9:30PM – Reception for Secretary-General of NATO, Ander F. Rasmussen, and Ambassador John Campbell, former US Ambassador to Nigeria.

Wednesday, May 25, 6:00PM – 9:00PM – Dinner in honor of General TY Danjuma (rtd.) In this event members of the various sections of the armed services who have performed honourably in defense of the country against insurgency would be recognized with awards of gallantry. The recognition award and dinner would be co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, and Minister of the Interior.

DAY 1: Wednesday, May 25

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Registration and Arrival

9:20AM – 10:00AM – Welcome Remarks and Introduction of the Summit by Professor John O. Ifediora, University of Wisconsin, and Director of the Council on African Security and Development (CASADE)

10:00 – 1030AM – Short prayers in both Islamic and Christian doctrines.

10:35AM – 11:00 AM – Remarks by President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari. (TBC)

11:00AM -11:15AM – Introduction of special guests and the keynote speaker By Professor Oshita O. Oshita, Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

11:15 AM- 11:45AM – Keynote address by Secretary-General Rasmussen

11:45AM – 12 Noon – Group photographs of dignitaries for the opening ceremony

12 NOON – 12:30PM – COFFEE/TEA BREAK

12:35PM – 1:40PM
The surge of insurgency/terrorism in recent times: Social and economic consequences.

Principal Speaker and Chair, Ambassador John Campbell.
Panelists: Dr. Kalu I. Kalu, Graeme Wood, Dr. Jakkie Cilliers, Angele Dikongue-Atangana.

  • A brief review of terroristic events in recent years is given, and known terrorist groups identified by name.
  • Destabilizing effects on civilian lives and social development
  • Disruption of economic activities.
  • Negative effect on domestic and foreign direct investment essential for economic growth.
  • Killing, kidnapping and displacement of innocent citizens.

2:00PM – 3:15PM
Examination of the root causes of insurgency and militancy

Chair, Vice-Chancellor Michael Adikwu
Panelists: Prof. John Ifediora, Prof. Leape, Governor Ortom, Ambassador Imohe.

  • Is there a religious component to modern recent waves of insurgency and terroristic attacks? Dispel or affirm the notion that religion plays a key role in modern insurgency.
  • Revenge for collateral damage done to relatives in the fight against terrorists as a motive to join a terrorist group.
  • Marginalization of vulnerable youths by political leaders through incompetence and corrupt practices.
  • Lack of access to modern facilities, and infrastructures in areas of conflict.
  • Poor education, lack of employment opportunities, and demonstration effect make radicalization possible.

3:30PM – 4:30PM
What can be done to contain and neutralize insurgency

Chair, Graeme Wood
Panelists: Governor Ortom, Prof. Oshita, General Lamb, General Obi

  • Effective political leadership that addresses the needs of citizens
  • Meaningful participation of citizens via transmission of information to the government
  • Provision of affordable and effective education system
  • Education that imparts practical and technical skills
  • Re-examination of the policy of non-negotiation with terrorist groups
  • Addressing the needs of socially and economically isolated groups

6:00PM – 9:30PM – Dinner in honor of General TY Danjuma (rtd.) (Formal attire)

DAY 2: Thursday, May 26

8:00AM – 9:00 – Registration and Arrival

9:15AM – 9:30AM – Welcome Remarks and Introduction of Professor Ibrahim Gambari as Keynote Speaker.

9:30AM – 10:00AM – Keynote Address by Professor Gambari

10:15AM – 11: 15AM
The role of the military and counter-intelligence

Chair, General Bisong Obi
Panelists: General Lamb, Prof. Leape, Admiral Starvidis, Professor Gambari

  • Counter-intelligence as a useful tool in early detection and monitoring of problem groups.
  • Once insurgent groups have been identified and are now operational, what level of force should be deployed against them?
  • What is being done to address the porosity of national borders?
  • The mechanism in place to control dissemination of small arms and explosives.
  • How safe are the nation’s airports? Are they properly protected with modern security procedures and equipment?

11:20AM – 12:00AM
Protecting the banking sector, airlines, and power supply against cyber attacks

Chair, Minister Khadija Bukar Ibrahim
Panelists: Professor Adikwu, Dr. Trinidad, Professor Okafor

  • How secure is the banking sector from cyber terrorism?
  • Is the airline industry adequately monitored and screened?
  • How vulnerable are the electricity grids from attacks?
  • Should a government engaged in military operations against terrorists observe internationally recognized human rights in times of conflict?
  • The need for due process of captured terrorists and protection of basic human rights.
  • What governments should put in place to protect and assist Internally Displaced Persons?

12:00 PM- 12:30 PM – COFFEE/TEA BREAK

12;45PM – 1:30PM
The roles of the media and civilians in counterterrorism

Chair, Senator Sani
Panelists: Graeme Wood, Ambassador Campbell, Jake Effoduh

  • What is the appropriate role for the media in the war against terrorism? Should the media’s role be defined by the principal duty to inform and disseminate information to the public?
  • How critical is the active participation of civilians in information and intelligence gathering?

2:00PM – 3:13PM
Going Forward after the Insurgency and Terrorism

Chair, Commissioner Angele Dikongue-Atangana
Panelists: Professor Okafor, Professor Ohita, Senator Sani

  • Issues of Internally Displaced Persons
  • Building resilience and support of the civilian population
  • Political leadership in all the tiers of the government, and protection of human and civil rights
  • Building and sustaining Early Warning and Early Response mechanism
  • The need for continuous dialogue and vigilance by all vested interests, and observance of due process for those accused.

3:00PM – 4:00PM – Conclusion and closing remarks