Efforts to Combat Extremism Emphasize Localized Action
Security officials are intensifying their efforts to address the vulnerabilities that have enabled extremist threats to prosper in underserved communities. A consultative forum convened by the National Counter-Terrorism Center (NCTC-ONSA) alongside key policymakers, civil society representatives, and development agencies in Abuja highlighted an urgent need to translate the country’s policy framework and the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PF-NAP) into actionable local strategies.
Building Bridges Between Policy and Community
Jay Gasquia, Chairman of the PAVE Network, emphasized that this initiative builds upon more than a year of pilot programs aimed at bridging the longstanding divide between national policy frameworks and local realities. He pointed to a critical transition from simply “domesticating” policies to fully localizing them, enabling nations to develop responses that resonate with their unique socio-political and security contexts.
Local Realities Drive National Success
Gasquia noted that while the framework is national in scope, its effectiveness hinges on its ability to truly reflect local realities. “Countries need to define priorities, develop tailored action plans, and establish coordination systems that are contextually relevant,” he explained. His remarks underscore the importance of localized strategies in enhancing the overall impact of national policies.
The Role of Technical Working Groups
Mr. Gasquia also highlighted the valuable contribution of technical working groups, which are currently active across various provinces, particularly in the North West region. These groups are instrumental in uniting government agencies, civil society actors, and community stakeholders under a cohesive implementation structure, thus fostering collaboration and partnerships.
Framework Updates Reflect Evolving Threats
The PF-NAP, initially developed in 2017 and revised in 2025, has been updated to address emerging threats and shifting security dynamics. Implementation will focus on six core pillars, including the institutionalization of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), access to justice, community capacity building, strategic communication, research and learning, and gender mainstreaming. “The focus now is on implementation,” said Mangsett, calling for stronger ownership at the state level to ensure that this framework has a tangible impact.
Need for Sustained Engagement and Proactive Strategies
Mr. Yetunde Adegoke, National Coordinator of GCERF Nigeria, emphasized the necessity of maintaining momentum through ongoing efforts and strategic long-term planning. Ndubisi Nwokolo, a partner at Nextier, called for a significant shift from a reactive, force-driven approach to a proactive, non-coercive strategy. He warned that violent extremism is deeply rooted in governance challenges, inequality, and social exclusion, stating that addressing these underlying issues is vital for sustainable solutions.
Challenges and Recommendations for Implementation
Discussions at the forum revealed that, despite progress in establishing state-level structures and action plans, implementation remains inconsistent. Participants identified several challenges, including weak interagency coordination, bureaucratic hurdles, insufficient funding, overreliance on donor support, and fluctuating political commitments. While efforts like stakeholder engagement platforms and community-based programs are underway, many remain disjointed. “Awareness is growing, but implementation is still uneven. Stronger coordination and sustained political will are essential,” one participant noted.
Advocating for Holistic Collaboration
Participants highlighted that fragmented responses allow extremist groups to exploit regional disparities, often relocating to areas with weaker organizational capacity. To counteract this, stakeholders advocated for enhanced collaboration between federal and state actors, formalizing technical working groups as state coordinating committees, integrating PCVE strategies into development and security plans, and allocating dedicated budgets by state governments. They agreed that community engagement, youth participation, and early warning mechanisms must remain central to these implementation efforts. While there was cautious optimism regarding expanded cooperation and increased state involvement, stakeholders stressed that the success of localization efforts will ultimately hinge on sustained funding, political commitment, and coordinated implementation across all government levels.
