The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gombe State Command, has pledged to collaborate with the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network to strengthen community resilience, protect schools and promote the protection of lives and property across the state.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Idris Jibrin, gave the assurance when members of the PAVE Network, Gombe State Chapter, paid him an advocacy visit on Monday at the command headquarters in Gombe.
Speaking during the visit, Jibrin said the corps remained committed to safeguarding lives and property while upholding the fundamental human rights of citizens.
“This important organisation is concerned with human lives and property, and as a security agency, our major mandate is to protect lives and property. We are very much concerned with issues relating to human rights, and we respect the rights of every individual,” he said.
The commandant described PAVE as a critical stakeholder in promoting peace and security, noting that the organisation’s programmes on Safe Schools, disaster management and community engagement align with the mandate of the NSCDC.
“I want to assure you that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is ever ready to partner with your organisation. We are ready to synergise and cooperate. At any point in time, you can always call on us, and we are going to be there,” Jibrin stated.
He further assured the group of the command’s accessibility and commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at protecting communities.
“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Gombe State will not be left behind. We are going to partner and collaborate with your organisation. My office has no door or windows; we operate 24 hours. At any point in time, you can call on us, and by God’s grace, we will be there for you,” he added.
Earlier, the Gombe State Chairman of the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network, Albarka Haruna, formally introduced the organisation and sought collaboration with the NSCDC on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), community resilience and civil protection.
Haruna explained that PAVE Network is a legally registered non-profit and non-partisan civil society platform, incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission as the Incorporated Trustees of Association Against Violent Extremism in October 2018.
According to him, the network emerged from a structured civil society engagement process initiated by the Office of the National Security Adviser in 2014 and has continued to support the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC-ONSA)-led PCVE architecture in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the organisation is currently implementing a 30-Day National Civic Advocacy Initiative with the theme, “Protect Nigerian Lives: End Abductions, Strengthen Communities and Stop the Politicisation of Insecurity.”
Haruna said the campaign is designed to address insecurity through community participation and support for victims while discouraging the politicisation of security challenges.
“The campaign focuses on ending abductions, strengthening community resilience, promoting responsible security reform, supporting victims and survivors, protecting schools and livelihoods, preventing violent extremism and ensuring that insecurity is not politicised,” he said.
He noted that the NSCDC’s statutory responsibilities in civil protection, critical national assets and infrastructure protection, community safety and school security make the agency a strategic partner in achieving the campaign’s objectives.
Haruna sought collaboration with the command in the areas of public sensitisation on community safety, school safety, early warning and local response mechanisms, engagement with women, youths and community stakeholders, support for peaceful civic activities, participation in dialogue and town hall meetings, as well as joint efforts on conflict sensitivity and accountable civil protection.
The visit ended with both organisations expressing commitment to sustained collaboration aimed at promoting peace, preventing violent extremism and enhancing the safety and security of communities across Gombe State.
