FG, PAVE Network Push for Knowledge-Driven Strategy to Combat Violent Extremism in Nigeria

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Partnership Against Violent Extremism Network (PAVE Network), has called for a shift towards a knowledge-driven strategy in the fight against violent extremism in Nigeria.

Stakeholders stressed that the country must move beyond a predominantly security-focused response and embrace a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach grounded in research, evidence and coordinated action.

The renewed push was highlighted at a one-day Stakeholder Orientation Workshop marking the unveiling of the 2026 phase of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Knowledge, Innovation and Resource Hub (PCVE-KIRH). 

The workshop was organised by PAVE Network in partnership with Nextier, SPRiNG and UK International Development.

Speaking at the event, the Director of PCVE at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), represented by Ms Iye Mangset, said the 2026 agenda would focus on drawing lessons from past interventions, strengthening stakeholder engagement and expanding youth-focused initiatives.

She emphasised that greater visibility of programmes should not be mistaken for publicity. 

“Visibility is not about publicity; it is about accountability, learning and replication of success,” she said.

According to her, years of collaboration, trust-building and coordinated programming have laid a solid foundation. 

The task ahead, she noted, is to consolidate those gains by institutionalising best practices and ensuring sustainability.

Mangset explained that the workshop was designed with clear objectives: to increase awareness and utilisation of the Knowledge Hub, enhance stakeholders’ capacity to deploy its tools, encourage cross-sector collaboration and gather feedback to improve its effectiveness. 

“This is not just an orientation,” she said. “It is a step towards building a stronger community of practice and a coordinated, evidence-driven and inclusive national response that strengthens resilience and safeguards our communities.”

In his remarks, Chairman of PAVE Network, Mr Jaye Gaskia, said the Knowledge Hub was established to bridge coordination and information gaps in PCVE implementation. 

He argued that violent extremism should not be viewed solely through a security lens.

“Violent extremism is not essentially a security issue; it is fundamentally a governance and development issue,” he stated.

Gaskia described the Hub as both a national repository and an innovation incubator for evidence-based interventions, supporting policy formulation and the design of practical solutions across the country.

A major highlight of the workshop was the launch of the PCVE-KIRH digital platform. 

The platform features a Community of Practice for practitioners, an e-learning portal and an e-library containing research materials on violent extremism in Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.

Gaskia further explained that the revised National Policy Framework and Action Plan on PCVE is anchored on four pillars: institutionalisation of PCVE, justice and the rule of law, community resilience and integrated strategic communication.

Dedicated PCVE desks, he added, have been created across ministries, departments and agencies to strengthen ownership and reporting mechanisms.

Also speaking, Deputy Director at the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ms Margret Yenami, said the Agency’s nationwide structure enables early warning reporting and sustained public awareness campaigns. 

She noted that terrorism-related information is regularly escalated through state and national platforms for coordinated responses.

Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Gbemisola Animasawun, described PCVE as the “software of counterterrorism”, stressing that prevention efforts must address underlying push and pull factors such as trauma, indoctrination and governance deficits.

Similarly, Prof. Uthman Abdulqadir of the Centre for Peace Studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University said ongoing research in Zamfara and Kano is examining youth recruitment patterns, ranching-related conflicts and community-based early warning systems to inform policy responses.