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NCTC-ONSA, Partners Intensify Push to Localise PCVE Strategy
NCTC-ONSA, Partners Intensify Push to Localise PCVE Strategy
By: Michael Mike
Efforts to deepen Nigeria’s response to violent extremism have gained renewed momentum as state governments, civil society actors, and development partners intensify efforts to localise the country’s Policy Framework and National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PF-NAP).
The push, driven by the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Knowledge, Innovation and Resource Hub (PCVE-KIRH) of PAVE Network and National Counter-Terrorism Centre of the Office of National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) in collaboration with partners including Nextier, SPRING Programme, FCDO, Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCER), aims to translate national policy into practical, state-level action.
At a high-level virtual consultative forum held on Wednesday, over 60 participants drawn from federal and state institutions, civil society organisations, and technical working groups across the country deliberated on pathways to strengthen implementation.
Chair of the PAVE Network, Jaye Gaskia, said the meeting builds on over a year of pilot interventions focused on bridging the gap between national frameworks and subnational realities.
According to him, the emphasis is shifting from “domestication” to localisation, allowing states to adapt national policies to their peculiar security and socio-political contexts.
“We are deliberately focusing on localisation because this is a national policy that must be adapted to local realities. States must identify their priorities, develop their own action plans, and establish coordination mechanisms that work for them,” he said.
He noted that Technical Working Groups established in several states, particularly in the North-west, have emerged as critical vehicles for implementation, bringing together government actors, civil society, and community stakeholders.
Speaking, the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the PCVE Directorate at the NCTC-ONSA, Ms Iye Mangset, commended the expanding collaboration among stakeholders. Mangset recalled that the PF-NAP, first developed in 2017 and recently revised in 2025, has been strengthened to reflect emerging realities.
She said that the updated framework now includes six core pillars: institutionalisation and mainstreaming of PCVE; access to justice; capacity building for individuals and communities; strategic communication; research, documentation and learning; and gender mainstreaming.
Mangset emphasised that the priority now is effective implementation at the state level, urging stakeholders to sustain the momentum. “We desire to see all partners, especially those from the states, continue to support and sustain this effort so that the framework delivers real impact,” she said.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of GCERF Nigeria, Ms Yetunde Adegoke, underscored the importance of continuity. She noted that progress made over the past year must be consolidated through sustained engagement and forward-looking strategies.
Similarly, a Partner at Nextier, Dr Ndubisi Nwokolo, stressed that tackling violent extremism requires a shift from reactive, force-based responses to proactive, non-coercive approaches.
“For this to succeed, we must address the root causes of radicalisation. Violent extremism is not just a security issue, it is deeply tied to governance, inequality and social exclusion,” he said.
Nwokolo added that changing realities in Nigeria demand a rethink of long-held assumptions about extremism, noting that the phenomenon is no longer distant but increasingly localised.
Discussions at the forum revealed that while progress has been recorded in developing state-level PCVE structures and action plans, significant gaps remain.
Participants cited some of the challenges as including: weak coordination across agencies, bureaucratic delays in implementation, limited funding and overreliance on donor support, and inconsistent political commitment.
Similarly, the state actors shared experiences of ongoing efforts, including stakeholder engagement, early warning systems, and community-based interventions, but stressed that these initiatives often operate in silos. “There is growing awareness, but implementation is still uneven. What is needed now is alignment and sustained political will,” one participant noted.
The key highlight of the forum was the recognition that fragmented responses have enabled extremist groups to exploit regional gaps. Participants stressed that without a coordinated national and subnational strategy, gains recorded in one area could easily be reversed as groups relocate.
To address this, stakeholders called for stronger alignment between federal and state efforts, the institutionalisation of Technical Working Groups as State Coordination Committees, the integration of PCVE into broader state security and development plans, and dedicated budgetary allocations by state governments.
The forum also underscored the critical role of strategic communication in countering extremist narratives and building public trust. A national strategic communication plan developed under the framework is expected to be launched alongside the revised PF-NAP.
Participants emphasised that community engagement, youth inclusion, and early warning mechanisms must be central to implementation efforts.
With increased state participation and stronger partner collaboration, stakeholders expressed optimism that localisation of the PF-NAP could significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to prevent and counter violent extremism. However, they cautioned that success will depend largely on political will, sustainable funding, and coordinated action across all levels of government.
The forum ended with participants renewing their commitment to deepen collaboration and move from policy frameworks to measurable impact at the community level.
NCTC-ONSA, Partners Intensify Push to Localise PCVE Strategy
LATE BRIGADIER GENERAL BRAIMO, OTHER FALLEN HEROES LAID TO REST WITH MILITARY HONOURS
By: Our Reporter
In a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony, the nation on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, laid to rest Late Brigadier General Omo Braimo, Captain Ismail, and other gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
The burial, held at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State, was marked by deep sorrow, honour and reflection.
Amidst grieving families and fellow comrades, the fallen heroes were accorded full military honours in recognition of their selfless service and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation.
Their sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the heavy price paid daily by members of the Armed Forces to safeguard the peace, unity and security of Nigeria.
In attendance were the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other senior military officers, all gathered to honour the courage and dedication of the departed.In their tributes, the Governor, the Minister of Defence, the CDS, and the COAS described the fallen soldiers as true patriots who stood firm in the face of danger and made the ultimate sacrifice so that others might live in safety.
They noted that their bravery and sense of duty will continue to inspire generations and remain etched in the nation’s history.With heavy hearts, prayers were offered for the peaceful repose of their souls, while citations detailing their service and sacrifice were read before their next of kin.
The grief of their families underscored the human cost of the nation’s security efforts, even as their courage remains a source of pride and honour.
As the nation mourns these heroes, it is reminded that the freedom and stability enjoyed today come at a profound cost, paid by brave men who placed duty above self and gave everything in service to their fatherland.
LATE BRIGADIER GENERAL BRAIMO, OTHER FALLEN HEROES LAID TO REST WITH MILITARY HONOURS
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s correctional system, the deployment of technology to strengthen border security, and the entrenchment of financial integrity across public institutions.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mallam Haruna Yahaya, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that reforming the nation’s correctional system remains a top priority, stressing that the focus must extend beyond incarceration to rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
“Government has a duty of care to its citizens. Even where freedom is restricted by law, those in custody must be treated with dignity and given opportunities to return to society better than they came,” he said.
He noted that the shift from the Prisons Act to the Nigerian Correctional Service Act marked a deliberate transition toward a system that prioritizes reformation over mere detention.
On border management and internal security, the Minister disclosed that the Correctional Information Management System (CIMS) now contains over 50 million records compiled from operations at seaports and airports, with ongoing integration of land border data.
According to him, the system enhances the government’s ability to detect irregularities and prevent unauthorized entry, aligning with modern security strategies that prioritize proactive measures over reactive responses.
“We are building systems that can stop problems before they happen, not just respond after the damage is done,” he added.
Addressing financial governance, Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of strengthening internal controls across government institutions, noting that preventive mechanisms are more effective than post-incident audits.
“It is not enough to detect issues after they occur. The goal is to build systems that make such issues difficult to happen in the first place,” he said.
He called on professional bodies such as ICAN to deepen their collaboration with government, particularly in areas of revenue assurance, transparency, and institutional accountability, while also encouraging stronger public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency and boost investor confidence.
On infrastructure, the Minister highlighted the need to expand fire and rescue services nationwide, pointing out that innovative funding models, including private sector participation, would be crucial to achieving this goal.
Tunji-Ojo also congratulated ICAN on its leadership and its upcoming West Africa Accountants Conference 2026 scheduled for December 2026, assuring the institute of government support. He further commended the increasing representation of women in professional leadership, describing it as a positive sign for the future.
Earlier, ICAN President Haruna Yahaya applauded the Ministry’s ongoing reforms and proposed the creation of a Joint ICAN–Ministry Financial Integrity and Revenue Assurance Task Force.
He explained that the initiative would target key areas including revenue assessment within the Nigeria Immigration Service, payroll analysis across uniformed services, and procurement risk review, with the aim of reducing leakages and strengthening accountability across government operations.
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Katsina State have foiled a livestock rustling attempt and recovered 22 stolen animals in Jibia Local Government Area.
Police sources said the incident occurred in the early hours of April 12 following a distress call received at about 12:45 a.m. that suspected armed bandits had rustled livestock from neighbouring Niger Republic.
According to the sources, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jibia swiftly mobilised a joint team comprising police, military and community watch personnel to the area.
They added that the operatives strategically blocked the escape routes of the suspects and engaged them in a gun duel.
“The superior firepower of the security team forced the bandits to abandon the rustled animals and flee into the bush,” the sources said.
The sources disclosed that all 22 sheep and goats were recovered intact during the operation.
They noted that the area has been cordoned off, while aggressive clearance operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Further developments will be communicated as investigations continue, the sources added.
Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina
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