The Kaduna State chapter of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Network has cautioned against relying solely on military action to address insecurity, saying such an approach is inadequate to end the menace.

The group, known as the PAVE Network, made the call on Tuesday during a press briefing in Kaduna, where it reviewed the security situation in the state and the wider North-West region.

The coordinator of the network, Eric John, said sustainable peace could only be achieved through evidence-based, community-led, and inclusive interventions that address the root causes of violent extremism.

Mr John described the security situation in Kaduna as complex, attributing it to the state’s strategic location, long-standing communal tensions, recurring herder-farmer conflicts, and the spillover of armed banditry from neighbouring states.

According to him, extremist and criminal groups had continued to exploit forested areas, porous borders, and socio-economic challenges, particularly youth unemployment, to sustain violence and insecurity.

While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies and ongoing military operations, Mr John stressed that violent extremism could not be defeated by force alone.

He said kinetic approaches, if not complemented by prevention, dialogue, and development-focused strategies, risk addressing symptoms rather than the underlying causes of insecurity.

“Our focus is on what works in the long term, including early warning, early response, community trust, and inclusive development,” he said.

Mr John explained that the network had prioritised capacity building and dialogue across Kaduna State and the North-West, engaging government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, women’s groups, and youth organisations.

He said the engagements had resulted in the co-creation of state and local action plans to prevent and counter violent extremism, enabling communities to identify their vulnerabilities and set prevention priorities.

The coordinator also highlighted community resilience campaigns conducted in several local government areas, adding that the initiatives had strengthened peace education, tolerance messaging, and grassroots networks that counter extremist narratives.

Responding to questions on reported foreign military involvement and alleged airstrikes in parts of the region, Mr John urged caution, warning that speculation and misinformation could heighten tensions and erode public trust.

He said peace and security were collective responsibilities and called on the residents to remain vigilant, share credible information with relevant authorities, and resist narratives that promote violence or division.

Mr John also urged the Kaduna State government to deepen ownership of PCVE processes by integrating them into state planning and budgeting frameworks.

He added that security agencies should strengthen community engagement and ensure that counterinsurgency operations uphold human rights and build public confidence.

According to him, lasting peace in Kaduna State and the North-West would depend not only on military strength but also on effective community empowerment, institutional coordination, and inclusive participation.

(NAN)