Hyacinth Nwafor
The PAVE Network has raised fresh concerns over the escalating wave of insecurity across Nigeria, warning that rising cases of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and organized criminality now pose a serious threat to national stability and public safety.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the coalition described the current security situation as a national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action from governments, security institutions, political leaders and citizens.
The group noted that the resurgence of attacks on communities, schools and vulnerable populations is occurring at a time when political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections are gathering momentum, a development it said demands restraint and responsible leadership from all stakeholders.
PAVE strongly condemned the killings, abductions and violent attacks being carried out by extremist groups, armed bandits and criminal networks across the country, stressing that every Nigerian life lost represents a tragedy that must not be ignored.
According to the organization, the growing tendency among some political actors to exploit insecurity for partisan advantage is dangerous and capable of worsening an already fragile national situation. It urged leaders across party lines to unite in addressing the crisis rather than engaging in blame games.
The network argued that Nigeria’s security challenges are closely linked to governance failures, weak institutions and the inability of authorities at various levels to effectively deliver security, justice and social welfare to citizens.
It further stated that the absence of a broad national consensus on nation building, inclusion, justice and development has weakened public trust in government while creating conditions that allow criminal groups and violent extremists to flourish.
PAVE also highlighted the impact of instability across the Sahel region, noting that porous borders, illicit arms trafficking, displacement and transnational criminal activities continue to fuel insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in border and frontline communities.
The group warned that attacks on farming and fishing communities, schools, markets, places of worship and transportation routes are not only claiming lives but are also undermining food production, economic activities and social cohesion.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, PAVE maintained that military operations alone cannot provide lasting solutions. It advocated a broader strategy anchored on good governance, justice, development, peacebuilding and community participation.
Among its key recommendations, the network called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, including the establishment of state police under a framework that guarantees accountability, professionalism and respect for human rights.
It also demanded the immediate implementation of local government autonomy, arguing that grassroots administrations are strategically positioned to support intelligence gathering, conflict prevention, community development and local security coordination.
The organization urged security agencies to adopt more proactive and intelligence driven approaches while intensifying efforts to rescue citizens still being held captive by kidnappers and extremist groups across the country.
PAVE further called for stronger protection of schools, rural communities, markets and other critical infrastructure through community based security systems, early warning mechanisms and closer collaboration between security agencies and local stakeholders.
The network concluded by urging all levels of government, political parties, civil society groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders and citizens to put national interest above partisan considerations. It emphasized that Nigeria must embrace governance, justice, unity and inclusive development if it is to overcome insecurity and restore public confidence in the state.
According to the statement signed by the PAVE Network National Steering Committee led by Mr. Jaye Gaskia and supported by representatives of its state chapters and affiliated groups, the time for decisive action against insecurity, violent extremism and organized criminality is now.