PEPNET Warns of Escalating Human Rights Violations, Pushes for Stronger Peace Education as Nigeria Faces Deepening Security Crisis By Raymond Enoch
As the world commemorated International Human Rights Day on December 10—coinciding with the conclusion of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence—the Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) issued a stark warning over Nigeria’s deteriorating human rights climate and intensifying security challenges.
In a statement released in Abuja, the organisation expressed deep concern over the sustained rise in abductions, mass killings, banditry, attacks on schools, gender-based violence, and other forms of conflict that have scarred vulnerable communities throughout 2025. PEPNET stressed that the trends point to a “worsening human rights situation” and an urgent need for a long-term, preventive approach6 centred on peace education.
PEPNET highlighted that repeated school attacks—particularly the abductions of students and teachers in Niger and Kebbi States—continue to violate the rights of children and erode trust in the country’s already fragile security landscape. Banditry and communal violence have displaced thousands, while gender-based violence remains widespread despite heightened advocacy during the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
The proliferation of hate speech, misinformation, and digital incitement has further polarised communities, weakening social cohesion. PEPNET also raised concerns around threats to freedom of expression, religious freedom, due process, and the dignity of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
While acknowledging recent government-led security reforms, PEPNET cautioned that military-driven responses alone cannot address the root causes of Nigeria’s deepening crisis. The organisation argued that sustainable change must come from deliberate investment in mind-set transformation, civic responsibility, and peaceful social norms.
“Security operations are necessary, but they cannot substitute for long-term development strategies that strengthen values, build resilience, and prevent violence,” the statement noted.
The organisation called for5 coordinated action from government institutions, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, and youth-led groups. Among its major recommendations:
Government: Integrate peace education into national and stater curricula; scale up teacher training; and prioritise psychosocial support and community-based early warning systems.
Security Agencies: Improve public communication and deepen community engagement to rebuild trust and counter misinformation.
Civil Society & Partners: Expand investments in youth peace leadership, digital peacebuilding, peace clubs, gender-based violence prevention, and community dialogue initiatives.
Traditional & Religious Leaders: Help foster empathy, dignity, and responsible communication while countering divisive rhetoric.5
Youth & Women-Led Groups: Be given meaningful roles in peace processes due to their critical impact in preventing violence and rebuilding trust.
As the global community reflects on this year’s Human Rights Day and the just-concluded activism campaign, PEPNET emphasised that safeguarding human rights is inseparable from building sustainable peace. Protecting children’s education, promoting gender justice, and strengthening community resilience, it said, all depend on consistent peace education interventions.
The network pledged to continue expanding peace education across Nigeria through innovative digital tools, community dialogues, teacher support systems, and youth-focused capacity-building initiatives. PEPNET affirmed its readiness to collaborate with national, regional, and international partners to reinforce Nigeria’s peace and human rights landscape in the coming year.
