Security Chiefs, Leaders in Northwest Form Alliance to Fight Banditry

Stakeholders from the security and development sectors convened in Kaduna for the Northwest Summit on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), emphasizing the need for a coordinated regional strategy to combat terrorism, banditry, and extremist ideologies.

The summit, themed "Articulating a Regional Approach and Response to Violent Extremism in North West Nigeria," was organized by the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Knowledge Innovation and Resource Hub (PCVE-KIRH) in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and other partners.

Major General Adamu Laka, represented by Commodore Ahmed Abubakar Madawaki, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the NCTC's efforts to tackle violent extremism through intelligence sharing, community empowerment, and deradicalization.

Laka attributed the rise of violent extremism to porous borders, weak governance, climate pressures, and poverty, urging states to accelerate the development of State and Local Action Plans.

Jaye Gaskia, representing PCVE-KIRH, stressed the need for a unified regional approach, noting that extremist groups operate across state and international borders.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, represented by Commissioner Sule Shuaibu SAN, called for a comprehensive strategy beyond military operations, emphasizing the need for justice, inclusion, and opportunities for youths.

The summit's outcomes will contribute to the National PCVE Summit and inform the proposed Northwest Security Strategy.