The Katsina state Chairman of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) network has reaffirmed a renewed commitment to peace and resilience against violent extremism in the northwest.
Addressing a press conference, Mr declared a seamless actions across northwest stressing that efforts need to be treated as a shared responsibility, not a security issue alone.
The Chairman painted a clear picture of the region’s evolving security landscape, where violent extremism, banditry, and organised criminality continue to exploit weak governance structures, porous borders, economic hardship, and social exclusion.
“The North-West’s security challenge is complex and interconnected. It requires prevention, inclusion, and community resilience not only force,” the Chairman stressed.
According to him, PAVE Network understand that extremist-linked groups and criminal gangs have continued to fuel instability in parts of the region, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive, people-centred solutions that address root causes such as youth unemployment, marginalisation, and fragile community safety systems.
” Despite the challenges, the Network reported significant progress in strengthening local capacity and coordination:
” We conducted stakeholder capacity-building workshops for government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, women, youth groups, and civil society;
” Co-creation sessions supporting the development of State Action Plans (SAPs) and Local Action Plans (LAPs),” he said
According to him, dialogue platforms bringing communities and authorities together to identify local priorities, including youth empowerment and early-warning systems.
The Network ensured peer learning exchanges among North-West states to share best practices and reduce duplication with increased advocacy visits to government institutions and legislatures to secure political ownership and funding.
He underscored the importance of community resilience campaigns promoting peace education, tolerance, and counter-extremism narratives at grassroots level.
“These engagements have strengthened trust, boosted local ownership, and empowered communities to play an active role in early warning and prevention.
” The Network identified fresh opportunities in deepening youth engagement, expanding economic interventions, and institutionalising PCVE within government planning systems.
“Military action alone cannot end violent extremism. This is a governance, development, and community challenge,” the Chair noted.
The Chairman reaffirmed the Network’s resolve to pursue an inclusive, evidence-based, and collaborative approach, emphasizing that peace and prosperity depend on the actions of every citizen.
“Together, we can prevent violent extremism, protect our communities, and secure a peaceful future for [State Name] and the entire North-West,” the Chair concluded.
