The Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) has raised alarm over Nigeria’s deepening human rights challenges and escalating security threats, calling for a national shift toward sustained investment in peace education as a strategic response to the country’s complex crisis.
In a statement issued to mark International Human Rights Day and the close of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the organisation warned that Nigeria’s worsening security landscape is inflicting severe harm on children, women, and vulnerable communities. It emphasised that peace education, not military action alone, offers a durable pathway for resolving the structural drivers of conflict and inequality.
According to PEPNET, the year 2025 has recorded a disturbing rise in abductions, mass killings, banditry, communal clashes, gender-based violence, and attacks on educational institutions.
The abduction of students and teachers in Niger and Kebbi States, along with repeated assaults on rural communities, reflects the fragile state of internal security.
Although recent government-led security reforms signal recognition of the problem, the group noted that meaningful progress will depend on sustained political will, transparency, and citizen engagement.
PEPNET identified several painful realities confronting Nigerians: heightened attacks on schools that violate children’s right to education; worsening banditry that displaces thousands and destroys livelihoods; persistent gender-based violence despite increased advocacy; and rising hate narratives, misinformation, and online incitement that further polarise communities. Human rights concerns, including freedom of expression, religious freedom, due process, and the welfare of internally displaced persons, remain urgent.
The organisation stressed that Nigeria’s challenges require responses that go beyond security operations.
While acknowledging the role of armed forces and law enforcement, PEPNET argued that long-term peace depends on strengthening civic values, promoting empathy, deepening community dialogue, and reshaping harmful social norms through education.
In its call to action, PEPNET urged government authorities to mainstream peace education into national and state curricula, expand teacher training, and prioritise psychosocial support for affected communities. It also advocated the adoption of community-led early warning and response systems.
The network appealed to security agencies to complement operations with transparent communication and community engagement aimed at building public trust. Civil society organisations and development partners were encouraged to scale support for peace media, youth leadership initiatives, digital peacebuilding, peace clubs, community dialogues, and gender-based violence prevention.
PEPNET further tasked traditional, religious, and community leaders with promoting empathy, dignity, and responsible communication while countering rhetoric that fuels division.
Youth and women’s groups, it added, must be meaningfully included in peace processes given their pivotal role in preventing violence and restoring social cohesion.
As the international community reflects on human rights and gender-based violence, PEPNET maintained that sustainable peace is inseparable from the protection of human rights. Safeguarding education, promoting justice, strengthening resilience, and preventing violence against women and children all require deliberate, long-term peace education strategies.
Reaffirming its commitment, PEPNET said it will continue advancing peace education across Nigeria through innovative programmes, digital initiatives, teacher-support platforms, community peace dialogues, and leadership development for young people.
The organisation pledged to deepen collaboration with national institutions, regional bodies, and international partners in strengthening Nigeria’s peace and human rights ecosystem into 2026 and beyond.
