The Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network has launched a 30 day National Civic Advocacy Initiative aimed at mobilising Nigerians to tackle insecurity, rising abductions and violent extremism across the country.
The nationwide campaign, which runs from July 1 to July 30, 2026, is themed “Protect Nigerian Lives: End Abductions, Strengthen Communities and Stop the Politicisation of Insecurity,” with the campaign slogan, “Nigerian Lives Must Come First.”
In a statement signed by the Chair of the Steering Committee, Jaye Gaskia, PAVE Network said the initiative seeks to unite citizens, civil society organisations, labour unions, professional associations, youth and women groups, traditional rulers, faith based organisations, media practitioners and policymakers behind urgent national action to improve security.
The organisation expressed concern over the worsening security situation, citing persistent abductions, killings, attacks on schools and communities, violent extremism, banditry and organised criminal activities that continue to threaten lives, livelihoods and national stability.
PAVE stressed that addressing the crisis requires more than public condemnation, insisting that coordinated civic action, responsible governance, accountable security reforms and stronger community engagement are essential to reversing the trend.
The advocacy campaign will feature a national petition, media engagement, endorsements by labour and civil society groups, youth and women mobilisation, state and national town hall meetings, as well as advocacy activities across the federation.
The network also disclosed plans to engage State Houses of Assembly on ongoing constitutional amendment proposals relating to the establishment of state police, while advocating safeguards to prevent abuse of the system.
According to PAVE, any framework for state police must guarantee independent oversight, accountability, professional training, respect for human rights and protection against political, ethnic or religious misuse. It also called for stronger community trust building and the protection of vulnerable groups.
The organisation further identified local government autonomy as a critical pillar for improving community resilience, noting that councils should be empowered to strengthen early warning systems, peacebuilding initiatives, grassroots development and local security coordination.
PAVE said the campaign will be driven by its National Secretariat alongside its state chapters, Youth Against Violent Extremism, Women Against Violent Extremism and Media Against Violent Extremism. It urged Nigerians and relevant stakeholders to endorse the campaign, sign the national petition and amplify the message that Nigerian lives must come first.
#NigerianLivesMustComeFirst
#ProtectNigerianLives
#EndAbductionsNow
#EndInsecurityNow
#SecureOurCommunities
#StopPoliticisingInsecurity
#CommunityResilienceNow
#StatePoliceWithSafeguards
#PCVESafeguards
#LocalGovernmentAutonomy
#YouthAgainstViolentExtremism
#WomenAgainstViolentExtremism
#MediaAgainstViolentExtremism
#PAVENetwork
#30DaysOfAction