The PAVE Network has raised fresh concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, warning that rising incidents of violent extremism, kidnappings, banditry and organized criminal activities now pose a serious threat to national stability.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the network described the current wave of insecurity as a national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action from all levels of government and stakeholders.
The group noted that attacks on communities, schools, farms, markets and places of worship have continued to create fear and uncertainty across several parts of the country.
According to PAVE Network, the security crisis is unfolding at a period when political actors are already positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It cautioned against attempts by political interests to exploit insecurity for partisan advantage, stressing that the lives and safety of citizens must remain above political calculations.
The network strongly condemned killings, abductions, attacks on schools and assaults on vulnerable communities by armed groups, kidnappers and criminal networks.
It stated that every abducted child represents a national tragedy and every community under attack reflects a governance challenge that demands urgent attention.
PAVE Network argued that insecurity should not be reduced to political propaganda, blame games or partisan contestation.
Instead, it called for national unity, responsible leadership and collective action aimed at addressing the root causes of violence and instability.
The organization maintained that the inability of governments at federal, state and local levels to fully guarantee security and welfare has contributed significantly to the current challenges.
It also linked the persistence of insecurity to unresolved grievances, weak governance structures and declining trust between citizens and public institutions.
The network observed that fragile security conditions across the Sahel region have further complicated Nigeria’s security environment.
It noted that violent extremist groups and transnational criminal organizations continue to exploit porous borders, weak institutions and socio economic vulnerabilities across the region.
According to the group, frontline communities in the North East, North West and other border regions remain particularly exposed to cross border criminality and illicit arms trafficking.
PAVE Network warned that persistent attacks on farming and fishing communities are undermining food security, economic productivity and social stability.
The organization stressed that protecting schools, transport corridors, markets and local livelihoods should be treated as a national priority.
It further argued that military operations alone cannot deliver sustainable peace and security.
Rather, it advocated a broader human security framework that combines effective governance, justice, development, accountability and community participation.
Central to its recommendations is the restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture through the decentralization of policing powers.
The group specifically called for the establishment of state police backed by constitutional safeguards to prevent abuse, protect human rights and ensure accountability.
It said policing must become more community based, intelligence driven and responsive to local realities.
PAVE Network also urged the immediate implementation of local government autonomy in line with constitutional provisions and judicial pronouncements.
The network argued that local governments are strategically positioned to support early warning systems, peacebuilding initiatives, local security coordination and community development efforts.
It called on President Bola Tinubu and relevant institutions to strengthen mechanisms that guarantee transparency and effective use of resources allocated to local governments.
While commending the sacrifices of the armed forces, the police and other security agencies, the organization insisted that stronger inter agency collaboration and intelligence sharing are urgently needed.
It urged authorities to intensify efforts to rescue citizens still being held captive by kidnappers and extremist groups across the country.
The network further advocated enhanced protection for schools through safe school initiatives, community security structures and rapid response mechanisms.
It emphasized that women, youth groups, traditional institutions and civil society organizations should play greater roles in local security and resilience building.
PAVE Network warned against the growing trend of criminal groups using social media platforms to glorify violence, display ransom proceeds and recruit followers.
It urged security agencies, digital platforms and community leaders to work together to disrupt online criminal networks and prevent the normalization of violence.
The organization also called for firm action against individuals or groups found sponsoring criminality, inciting violence or spreading dangerous misinformation.
Beyond security measures, the group stressed the need to tackle poverty, unemployment, corruption, exclusion, climate related pressures and communal disputes that often fuel instability.
It said investment in livelihoods, education, youth empowerment and access to justice remains critical to reducing recruitment into violent extremist groups.
The network further advocated stronger regional cooperation among countries across the Sahel to address the transnational nature of violent extremism and organized crime.
According to the statement, governments, civil society groups, traditional leaders and local communities must collaborate across borders to strengthen prevention and resilience efforts.
PAVE Network concluded that Nigeria faces a defining moment and must embrace governance, justice, inclusion and national cohesion as pillars of sustainable security.
The organization urged governments, political parties, lawmakers, security agencies, religious leaders, traditional rulers, the media and citizens to unite in confronting insecurity.
It maintained that Nigeria must prioritize people centered development, prevention and accountability over political rivalry and divisive narratives.