The Peacebuilding, Advocacy and Violence Prevention Network (PAVE Network) has raised concerns over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, warning that the intensification of violent extremism, abductions, killings, and organised criminal activities posed a serious threat to national stability.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, the network described the current wave of insecurity as a national emergency requiring urgent, coordinated, and practical action from government, security institutions, and citizens.
PAVE noted that the rising insecurity is occurring amid growing political tensions as political actors begin positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning against the politicisation of national tragedies.
The organisation strongly condemned attacks on communities, schools, farms, markets, and places of worship, stressing that every abducted child and every community under siege reflects a grave governance failure that must be addressed with urgency.
According to the network, Nigeria’s security crisis cannot be resolved through military action alone, despite the continued importance of kinetic operations against armed groups and criminal networks.
It argued that sustainable peace and security require a broader human security approach anchored on justice, inclusive governance, development, accountability, peacebuilding, and the restoration of public trust in state institutions.
PAVE called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, including the decentralization of policing powers and the establishment of state police, while emphasising the need for strong safeguards against political abuse and human rights violations.
The group also advocated for immediate implementation of local government autonomy, describing local councils as critical to community security coordination, early warning systems, peacebuilding, and local development.
It further urged security agencies to improve intelligence-sharing, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and adopt more proactive and preventive responses to insecurity.
The network highlighted the vulnerability of farming and fishing communities, schools, transport routes, and local markets, warning that persistent attacks are not only costing lives but also disrupting livelihoods, food production, education, and social cohesion.
PAVE also expressed concern over the growing influence of cross-border criminal networks and violent extremist groups operating across the Sahel, calling for stronger regional cooperation among governments, security institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities.
The organisation warned against the use of insecurity for political gain and called for decisive action against individuals or groups found sponsoring violence, spreading disinformation, or inciting communal tensions.
PAVE maintained that addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, exclusion, weak governance, corruption, climate stress, and unresolved grievances—remains essential to achieving lasting peace.
The network urged all levels of government, political leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, and citizens to work collectively to confront insecurity and rebuild public confidence.
“The security and welfare of the people remain the primary purpose of government,” the statement said, adding that Nigeria must choose governance over propaganda, unity over division, prevention over reaction, and justice over impunity.
The Peacebuilding, Advocacy and Violence Prevention Network (PAVE Network) is a non-partisan policy and advocacy platform focused on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, democratic governance, and citizen-led solutions to insecurity and violent extremism in Nigeria and across West Africa. The organisation works with policymakers, civil society actors, communities, and development partners to promote dialogue, resilience, and sustainable peace.
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