The Gombe State chapter of the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) has reiterated its commitment to promoting the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-offenders, calling for deeper collaboration with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) to strengthen efforts aimed at preventing violent extremism and reducing recidivism.
This appeal was made during an advocacy visit by members of the civil society network to the Gombe State Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, held at the Correctional Service headquarters in Gombe on Wednesday.
During the engagement, the State Coordinator of PAVE, Albarka Haruna, underscored the pivotal role of structured rehabilitation programmes in transforming ex-offenders into responsible members of society. He stressed that reintegration should not be viewed merely as a criminal justice issue, but as a crucial aspect of national security and peacebuilding.
“Rehabilitation and reintegration are essential to reducing the risk of re-radicalisation,” Haruna said. “Equipping inmates with vocational skills, psychosocial support, and meaningful engagement can empower them to return to society as productive and peaceful citizens.”
PAVE, which was formally registered in 2018 with the Corporate Affairs Commission as an Incorporated Trustee, has grown into a robust national network coordinating civil society organisations focused on countering violent extremism. The initiative was originally launched in 2014 with the backing of the Office of the National Security Adviser, alongside key international partners such as the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism.
In Gombe State, PAVE has designated five core non-governmental organisations to implement its programmes. These include the Women Peace and Mediation Network, Advocate for Development and Sustainability, Lawanti Community Development Foundation, MAFAKA Sustainable Development Initiative, and the Concerned Minds for Health and Community Initiative. Collectively, these groups focus on peacebuilding, mental health support, community engagement, and sustainable development.
Haruna, while appreciating the Nigeria Correctional Service for its openness to collaboration, expressed optimism that Gombe State could become a model for integrated approaches to countering violent extremism.
“We respectfully seek the continued support of the State Controller in building stronger partnerships that will help enhance safety, social cohesion, and sustainable peace across our communities,” he added.
Responding, the Gombe State Controller of Corrections, Salihu Abdullahi, lauded the civil society network for its forward-thinking initiative and willingness to collaborate. He affirmed the commitment of the Correctional Service to work closely with PAVE and other stakeholders to maintain the peace Gombe currently enjoys.
“We thank God for the relative peace in Gombe. As a service, we are open to partnerships that align with our goal of rehabilitating inmates. While we are not mandated to manage extremists per se, our duty is to reform and rehabilitate through spiritual guidance and vocational training,” Abdullahi stated.
He further emphasised that skills acquisition and religious education remain central to the Correctional Service’s rehabilitation model, and extended an invitation to PAVE for continued programmatic collaboration.
