Amid rising concerns over insecurity, recurrent abductions and attacks on communities across Nigeria, the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network has launched a nationwide civic advocacy campaign aimed at pressing for greater protection of lives and more accountable security responses.
In a statement issued by Jaye Gaskia, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the PAVE Network, the initiative, unveiled on Wednesday, will run for 30 days under the theme “Protect Nigerian Lives: End Abductions, Strengthen Communities and Stop the Politicisation of Insecurity.”
According to Jaye, the campaign aims to shift public engagement from mere outrage to practical actions that bolster community resilience and enhance security governance.
“Nigeria is facing a severe insecurity crisis characterised by abductions, killings, attacks on schools and communities, violent extremism, banditry, organised crime, threats to livelihoods, and the erosion of community resilience.
“Nigeria’s insecurity challenge continues to impact communities through abductions, violent extremism, organised crime, attacks on educational institutions, and increasing threats to livelihoods, warning that long-term solutions must involve both government measures and active citizen participation.
As part of the campaign activities, the network plans to coordinate a national petition, media engagement, state and national town halls, youth and women mobilisation, and policy discussions with State Houses of Assembly on constitutional debates around state police,” he decried.
While recognising ongoing discussions around decentralised policing, the organisation emphasised that any framework for state police must incorporate safeguards against political interference, abuse of power, profiling, and human rights violations.
The network also contended that strengthening local government systems is vital for enhancing community security, noting that local institutions often serve as the first response for early warning, peacebuilding, and service delivery.
He stated that the campaign would be executed through its national and state branches, as well as affiliated platforms, including Youth Against Violent Extremism, Women Against Violent Extremism, and Media Against Violent Extremism.
Jaye called on citizens, labour organisations, professional associations, civil society groups, faith leaders, and community actors to join the campaign and reinforce its message that safeguarding lives must remain a national priority.
