Network Seeks Collaboration Against Violent Extremism

The PAVE Network in Kebbi State has called for more decisive collective action by government, communities and other stakeholders to effectively prevent and counter violent extremism in the state and the wider North-West region.

State Chairman of the Network, Mr Fahad Labbo, made the call in a press conference in Birnin Kebbi.

He said violent extremism, banditry and other forms of criminal violence remained significant security challenges confronting the region.

“The prevailing insecurity in the North-West is driven by the proliferation of armed groups, rising cases of banditry and kidnapping, economic marginalisation of rural communities, and structural weaknesses in community safety and resilience.

Labbo added that the engagements had improved understanding of local drivers of extremism and laid a solid foundation for inclusive prevention planning.

He further disclosed that the network had facilitated dialogue and consultation platforms across the state to bring communities and government actors together to design PCVE action jointly plans that reflect local realities.

“The Kebbi chapter of the PAVE Network had participated in peer-learning and knowledge-exchange programmes within the North-West, enabling the sharing of best practices and reducing duplication of efforts,” he said.

The chairman revealed that community resilience campaigns had been carried out in several communities across the state, focusing on peace education, tolerance messaging, conflict awareness and the strengthening of local networks to counter extremist narratives.

“Together, we can prevent violent extremism, protect our communities and secure a peaceful and prosperous future for Kebbi State and the North-West,” he said.