As the world observes the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism on February 12, Nigeria stands as a stark illustration of the urgent need for action against violent extremism. The country is currently grappling with severe security challenges, marked by frequent abductions and attacks that have turned schools, places of worship, and even homes into potential sites of violence and trauma. Children, who should feel safe in educational environments, now live in fear of becoming victims similar to those affected in high-profile kidnappings like the Chibok and Dapchi incidents in 2014 and 2018 respectively.

Recent events further underline this grim reality: in November, hundreds of students were kidnapped from schools in Kebbi and Niger states, and though they were released, the psychological and emotional scars from the experience will remain with them for life. Moreover, these incidents extend beyond schools; the threat looms over everyday circumstances, with commuters living in constant fear of being attacked or kidnapped during routine journeys. Places of worship, which traditionally serve as community sanctuaries, have also been targeted, notably in an attack on a Catholic church during a vigil in Benue State, where armed men abducted multiple worshippers.

The atmosphere of fear has made it imperative for Nigeria to adopt innovative technological solutions to mitigate these threats. As the nation reflects on its security challenges, integrating technology in law enforcement and community safety initiatives may provide a pathway to protect its citizens and reduce the incidents of violent extremism. Without significant changes and the incorporation of tech solutions, Nigeria risks descending further into chaos, underscoring the need for decisive action on this crucial day of awareness and reflection.