Strengthening Community Structure in the Prevention of Violent Extremism in Nigeria

Violent extremism Is a local, national, regional, and global phenomenon that affects communities, destabilizes countries, and impacts gravely on regional and global security, and peace.

<br><br>Quite often, poverty, and inequality, lack of education, unemployment, and lack of economic opportunities among other issues have been identified or suggested as the main factors leading vulnerable members of communities and, most times vulnerable youth to Join violent extremist groups in their communities. There is also a strong belief that social exclusion and feelings of marginalization are driving youth to embrace extremist ideologies.

<br><br>This is due to the facts that the conditions that  predispose to violence in general, and specific forms of violent extremism, emerge and evolve within communities; and because the Impact of violence, and violent extremism, is first felt directly by the community where it takes place; it stands to reason that communities should be central and key in the efforts aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism.

<br><br>It is in recognition of this that Nigeria's Policy framework, and National Action Plan on PCVE is subtitled. Partnering for safer and more resilient communities."

<br><br>What is the current context of violence in the country? What is the current dynamic of Violent Extremism In Nigeria? What roles are communities playing in PCVE efforts? How are they playing this role? 
In addition, what can be done to strengthen community institutions. in enabling communities to play more effective, and impactful roles?

<br><br>Those enquiries. among others, are the questions addressed in this policy brief, with a view to enabling state and non-state actors to collaborate more effectively and efficiently with communities to enhance their resilience, ensure their safety and security, and make them more able to prevent, and counter violent extremism in their communities.