Centre Prioritises Knowledge In Anti-Extremism Campaign

The National Counter Terrorism Centre has unveiled the 2026 phase of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Knowledge, Innovation and Resource Hub, declaring that Nigeria must move beyond a security-only response to violent extremism.

The centre said the country’s approach should now be driven by knowledge, innovation and whole-of-society participation.

The chairman of the Partnership Against Violent Extremism Network, Jaye Gaskia, said the hub was established to bridge coordination and knowledge gaps in the implementation of PCVE programmes.

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

Gaskia explained that the platform would serve as a national repository and innovation incubator to promote evidence-based interventions across the country.

A representative of the director of PCVE at the NCTC, Iye Mangset, said the 2026 phase would focus on amplifying lessons learnt, deepening stakeholder engagement and expanding youth-centred initiatives.

She stressed that visibility must go beyond publicity.

“Visibility is about accountability, learning and replication of success,” Mangset said, adding that prevention efforts must extend beyond areas previously affected by insurgency.

The workshop also marked the public introduction of the PCVE-KIRH digital platform, which features a Community of Practice, an e-learning portal and an e-library containing research materials on violent extremism in Nigeria and the Sahel.

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

He disclosed that PCVE desks had been created across ministries, departments and agencies to strengthen institutional ownership and reporting.

Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Prof. Amimasawun, described PCVE as the “software of counterterrorism”, insisting that prevention must address drivers such as trauma, indoctrination and governance gaps.

Also speaking, Prof. Uthman Abdulqadir of the Centre for Peace Studies said ongoing research in Zamfara and Kano was examining youth recruitment patterns, ranching conflicts and community-based early warning systems to guide policy.

The hub is supported by partners, including the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, and other development agencies.