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 said 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, said the 2026 agenda would focus on drawing lessons from previous interventions, strengthening stakeholder engagement and expanding youth-focused initiatives.
She stressed that increased 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.
Mangset noted that years of collaboration and trust-building had created a strong foundation, adding that the next phase would focus on institutionalising best practices and ensuring sustainability.
She explained that the workshop was designed to increase awareness of the Knowledge Hub, enhance stakeholders’ capacity to use its tools, encourage cross-sector collaboration and gather feedback to improve 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 said.
In his remarks, Chairman of PAVE Network, Mr Jaye Gaskia, said the Knowledge Hub was created to address coordination and information gaps 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 key highlight of the workshop was the launch of the PCVE-KIRH digital platform, which includes 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.
He added that the revised National Policy Framework and Action Plan on PCVE is built on 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 strengthen coordination and reporting mechanisms.
Deputy Director at the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ms Margret Yenami, said the agency’s nationwide structure enables 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, described PCVE as the “software of counterterrorism”, stressing that prevention must address underlying 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 support policy development.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
