The Gombe State chapter of the Partnership Against Violent Extremism on Thursday called on the state government to integrate Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism into its policies and programmes, stressing the need for coordinated, community-driven responses to rising insecurity.
This appeal was made during an advocacy visit to the Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Gombe State, at the ministry’s headquarters.
The advocacy visit was organised with support from ActionAid Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit, Haruna Albarka, State Coordinator of PAVE in Gombe, emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies and civil society organisations in addressing the root causes of violent extremism.
He said, “Our visit today is aimed at strengthening state-level coordination on PCVE in Gombe State,” Albarka stated. “We believe that with your support, the state can serve as a model for effective and inclusive strategies in preventing and countering violent extremism.”
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that PAVE, which was formally incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2018 as the Association Against Violent Extremism (CAC/IT/NO 119408), began its work in 2014 with backing from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, the International Centre for Counter Terrorism (ICCT), and the Human Security Collective.
Albarka highlighted that five Gombe-based NGOs are currently working under PAVE to implement its PCVE agenda in the state. These are:
Women Peace and Mediation Network, Advocate for Development and Sustainability, Lawanti Community Development Foundation,MAFAKA Sustainable Development Initiative, and Concerned Minds for Health and Community Initiative.
He noted that these organisations are actively engaging communities, promoting peace education, and building local resilience to extremist ideologies.
“Our key advocacy message today is the need for the integration of PCVE into state-level policies, inter-agency collaboration, and support for community-led initiatives,” Albarka said. “This will not only improve security outcomes but also ensure better policy alignment and resource allocation,” he added.
Albarka commended the Ministry’s existing efforts in promoting peace and internal security, and expressed optimism that a closer partnership with civil society would further enhance results.
The Coordinator stated, “We sincerely thank you for your time and consideration,” he said. “We look forward to working closely with your esteemed office to strengthen the peace, security, and well-being of all residents of Gombe State.”
The Commissioner, Col. Abdullahi Bello (Retd.), while welcoming the delegation, assured the team of the ministry’s openness to collaboration and acknowledged the growing need to embed grassroots-led solutions into state-level strategies for preventing violent extremism.
He added, “Government is looking at community policing and engagement in combating crimes. Alot of times many show disinterest because it has not affected them yet instead of collaborating to fight crime.”
Bello lamented the impact of interferences from parents, calling for concerted efforts towards tackling crimes, “Some parents usually obstruct arrest of their offending children,” he added.
Continuing Bello called on stakeholders to come up with approaches to tackle the Hydra headed issues, saying “Come up with strategy to help the ministry.”
Idris Lawanti of Lawanti Community Development Foundation lauded the Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for establishing the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs saying “The ministry is at the forefront of addressing security challenges in the state.”
