Esther Oseyiomon
Concerned by rising insecurity and the growing impact of abductions and violence across communities, the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network has launched a month-long national advocacy campaign aimed at mobilising citizens and institutions to demand stronger protection measures and more accountable security reforms.
The campaign, unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, is themed “Protect Nigerian Lives: End Abductions, Strengthen Communities and Stop the Politicisation of Insecurity,” with the slogan “Nigerian Lives Must Come First.” It is expected to run throughout July and involve nationwide civic engagement activities.
Announcing the initiative, PAVE Network said Nigeria’s security challenges — including abductions, attacks on schools and communities, violent extremism, organised criminality and threats to livelihoods — require more than public condemnation and emergency responses.
According to the organisation, addressing insecurity demands coordinated civic participation, stronger institutions, responsible governance and long-term measures that improve community resilience and public trust.
As part of the campaign, the network plans to drive a national petition, media advocacy, state and national town hall meetings, youth and women mobilisation activities, and engagement with State Houses of Assembly on ongoing constitutional conversations around state policing.
PAVE Network said discussions around the establishment of state police must go beyond structure and include safeguards capable of preventing abuse, political interference, ethnic or religious profiling and violations of citizens’ rights.
The group also called for accountability mechanisms, independent oversight, professional standards, community trust-building and stronger protection for vulnerable populations as part of broader security reforms.
Beyond policing, the network argued that local government autonomy remains essential to improving community resilience, noting that local authorities are often better positioned to support early warning systems, peacebuilding efforts, service delivery and grassroots security interventions.
The campaign will be coordinated through PAVE’s National Secretariat and state chapters alongside affiliated platforms including Youth Against Violent Extremism, Women Against Violent Extremism and Media Against Violent Extremism.
Calling for broad participation, the organisation urged civil society groups, labour unions, professional associations, faith-based institutions, traditional leaders, community actors and media organisations to support the initiative and amplify its central message that protecting lives must remain Nigeria’s foremost priority.