PAVE Launches 30-Day National Campaign Against Insecurity, Abductions
The Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network has launched a 30-day nationwide civic advocacy campaign aimed at mobilising Nigerians and key stakeholders to demand urgent action against insecurity, kidnapping, violent extremism and the growing politicisation of security challenges across the country.
The month-long initiative, scheduled to run from July 1 to July 30, 2026, is themed “Protect Nigerian Lives: End Abductions, Strengthen Communities and Stop the Politicisation of Insecurity,” with the campaign slogan, “Nigerian Lives Must Come First.”
Announcing the initiative in a statement signed by the Chair of the PAVE Network Steering Committee, Jaye Gaskia, the organisation said the campaign seeks to galvanise citizens, civil society organisations, labour unions, professional associations, youth and women groups, media practitioners, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, community leaders and policymakers to collectively address Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
According to the network, Nigeria is currently confronted by an alarming wave of kidnappings, violent extremism, banditry, organised crime, attacks on schools and rural communities, killings, and threats to livelihoods that continue to undermine national stability and weaken community resilience.
PAVE noted that the country’s security crisis requires more than public condemnation, stressing that it demands coordinated civic action, responsive governance, accountable security reforms and sustained citizen engagement.
“The current situation calls for organised national action to protect lives, strengthen vulnerable communities and ensure that security remains a national priority rather than a subject of political contestation,” the statement said.
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As part of the campaign, the network will organise a nationwide petition, secure endorsements from civil society groups and labour organisations, engage the media, convene national and state-level town hall meetings, coordinate advocacy through its state chapters, mobilise youth and women, and interact with State Houses of Assembly on ongoing constitutional amendment proposals relating to the establishment of state police.
PAVE, however, cautioned that any constitutional framework introducing state police must be accompanied by robust safeguards to prevent political manipulation, abuse of power, ethnic and religious profiling, human rights violations and the misuse of security institutions against citizens.
The organisation advocated the inclusion of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) safeguards, independent oversight mechanisms, transparency and accountability frameworks, professional training for security personnel, community trust-building initiatives and adequate protection for vulnerable populations.
The network also identified local government autonomy as a critical pillar for improving grassroots security and resilience, arguing that councils are best positioned to support early warning systems, local peacebuilding, community policing, service delivery and sustainable grassroots development.
According to PAVE, the campaign will be coordinated through its National Secretariat in collaboration with its state chapters, as well as specialised platforms including Youth Against Violent Extremism, Women Against Violent Extremism, and Media Against Violent Extremism.
The organisation appealed to Nigerians and relevant institutions to actively participate in the campaign by signing the national petition, endorsing its call to action, participating in advocacy activities across the country and amplifying its central message.
PAVE maintained that placing the protection of citizens above political considerations remains essential to restoring public confidence, strengthening national unity and achieving lasting peace.
The network reiterated that “Nigerian Lives Must Come First,” urging all stakeholders to unite in building safer, more resilient communities across the country.
By PRNigeria
