FG and PAVE Network Champion Knowledge-Based Strategy Against Extremism

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

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

The renewed push was highlighted during 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 under the Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), represented by Ms Iye Mangset, stated that the 2026 agenda would concentrate on deriving lessons from prior interventions, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and broadening youth-focused initiatives.

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

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

Mangset noted that years of collaboration and trust-building have established a strong foundation, adding that the subsequent phase will prioritise institutionalising best practices and ensuring sustainability.

She elaborated that the workshop was designed to increase awareness of the Knowledge Hub, improve stakeholders’ capacity to utilise its tools, foster cross-sector collaboration, and collect feedback for enhanced effectiveness.

“This is not just an orientation; it is a step toward building a stronger community of practice and an evidence-driven national response that safeguards our communities,” she stated.

In his remarks, Chairman of PAVE Network, Mr Jaye Gaskia, mentioned that the Knowledge Hub was established to address coordination and information deficits in preventing and countering violent extremism.

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

Gaskia described the hub as both a national repository and an innovation incubator for evidence-based interventions that support policy formulation and practical solutions.

A significant outcome of the workshop was the launch of the PCVE-KIRH digital platform, which features a Community of Practice for practitioners, an e-learning portal, and an e-library containing research materials on violent extremism within Nigeria and the broader Sahel region.

He added that the revised National Policy Framework and Action Plan on PCVE is structured around four pillars: institutionalisation of PCVE, justice and the rule of law, community resilience, and integrated strategic communication.

Dedicated PCVE desks have also been established across ministries, departments, and agencies to bolster coordination and reporting mechanisms.

Deputy Director at the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ms Margret Yenami, indicated that the agency’s nationwide presence facilitates early warning reporting and public awareness campaigns.

Meanwhile, Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ilorin, Prof Gbemisola Amimasawun, characterised PCVE as the “software of counterterrorism,” stressing that prevention efforts must tackle underlying factors such as trauma, indoctrination, and governance deficiencies.

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