Nigeria Launches Investigative Guide to Tackle Sexual Violence, Strengthen Justice for Survivors

By: Michael Mike

In a renewed push to confront the widespread challenge of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), key stakeholders across Nigeria’s justice sector and international community on Thursday unveiled a new investigative tool aimed at improving the handling and prosecution of sexual assault cases.

The Quick Reference Guide for Investigating Sexual Assault was launched at a high-level event attended by members of the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, government institutions, civil society groups, and development partners. The initiative is expected to enhance the capacity of frontline responders and ensure a more coordinated, survivor-centred approach to justice delivery, particularly in the insurgency-affected Northeast.

Speaking at the launch, the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cheikh Toure, described the guide as a critical step forward in addressing gaps in the investigation and prosecution of sexual violence cases.

He noted that communities in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States have endured years of conflict and displacement, conditions that have heightened the risk of sexual violence and deepened the need for effective justice mechanisms.

Toure explained that the guide provides practical, field-based direction for responders, outlining key steps from the point of reporting to the preparation of case files. It also incorporates referral pathways to ensure survivors are promptly connected to medical, legal, and psychosocial support services.

He acknowledged the Government of Canada for its support, emphasizing that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to ending impunity and ensuring that survivors have access to justice. He further stressed that the initiative was driven by Nigerian institutions and developed through consultations with local experts, making it both context-specific and sustainable.

A major focus of the guide, according to Toure, is the proper handling of forensic evidence—often the deciding factor in securing convictions. He warned that poorly collected or mishandled evidence continues to undermine cases, allowing perpetrators to evade justice. To address this, the initiative is complemented by ongoing efforts to strengthen forensic infrastructure, including upgrades to sexual assault referral centres and laboratory capacity in Abuja.

Also addressing participants, Hon. Justice Obiora Egwuatu painted a sobering picture of the prevalence and impact of SGBV in Nigeria, describing it as a daily reality cutting across all communities. He defined SGBV as acts driven by unequal power relations and harmful gender norms, encompassing offences such as rape, domestic violence, child marriage, sexual harassment, and economic abuse.

He noted that while women and girls remain the most affected, men and boys also suffer in silence due to stigma and societal expectations that discourage disclosure.

According to him, the consequences of SGBV are devastating, ranging from physical injuries and psychological trauma to unwanted pregnancies, infections, and, in extreme cases, death.

Beyond individual victims, he said, the ripple effects of such violence destabilize families, strain public health systems, and weaken the social fabric of communities.

Justice Egwuatu identified several barriers to addressing SGBV effectively, including a culture of silence, stigma, weak reporting systems, delayed investigations, poor evidence management, and low conviction rates. He also highlighted the lack of accessible support services such as shelters, legal aid, and mental health care, which leaves many survivors without adequate assistance.

He further pointed to entrenched cultural norms and economic hardship as drivers of vulnerability, particularly for women and children, while conflict situations continue to exacerbate risks.

Calling for a collective response, the judge stressed that ending SGBV requires action beyond government institutions. He urged individuals, families, religious bodies, schools, and community groups to play active roles in supporting survivors, challenging harmful norms, and exposing perpetrators.

“We must break the silence, believe survivors, and ensure that justice is not denied,” he said, adding that the newly launched investigative aide-memoire would serve as a vital resource for judges, law enforcement officers, and other stakeholders in strengthening accountability.

Stakeholders at the event agreed that while the launch of the guide marks significant progress, sustained collaboration, improved institutional capacity, and societal change will be critical to ending sexual violence and ensuring justice for survivors across Nigeria.

Nigeria Launches Investigative Guide to Tackle Sexual Violence, Strengthen Justice for Survivors

Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant, Intercept Logistics Supplies in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected terrorist informant and logistics supplier during a patrol operation in Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 11:23 a.m. on April 22 by troops of 192 Battalion (Mechanised) deployed at E Company, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Pulka, under Operation Hadin Kai.

The arrest was made while the troops were conducting patrol and route clearance operations along major access routes into Pulka.

According to the sources, the suspect, identified as Abba Abdullahi, 37, and a member of a local vigilante group, was intercepted while allegedly conveying logistics supplies from Pulka to suspected ISWAP terrorist enclaves along the Pulka–Wurutakure road in the Dure axis.

Items recovered from the suspect include five wrappers, six detergents, three hijabs, three skirts, three rat fumigation tablets, five cans of energy drink, two large loaves of bread, and 10 packs of seasoning.

Military authorities said the suspect and the recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They noted that the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and deny insurgents access to supplies.

Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant, Intercept Logistics Supplies in Borno

Army Reunites Rescued Women, Children with Families in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army has successfully reunited nine rescued captives, comprising women and children, with their families following a recent rescue operation in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the victims were earlier rescued by troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion deployed in Ngoshe under Operation Hadin Kai, as part of ongoing operations tagged Desert Sanity.

The reunification ceremony took place at about 4:00 p.m. on April 22 in Ngoshe community, where families and residents turned out in large numbers to receive the victims.

The event was witnessed by representatives of the District Head of Ngoshe and other community stakeholders.

Sources said the atmosphere was marked by visible relief and joy, as residents celebrated the safe return of the women and children who had been held in captivity by terrorists.

The rescued victims include Mrs Zainab Umar (22), Aisha Abubakar (20), Aisha Audu (20), Aisha Idris (17), and another Aisha Abubakar (16), who was reportedly forced into marriage by a terrorist commander.

Others are Aisha Musa (10), Musa Umar (6), and two toddlers.

Following the reunification, the victims were documented and taken to a community clinic for medical examination and further care.

Military authorities said the successful rescue and reunification illustrates ongoing efforts to protect civilians and restore normalcy in conflict-affected areas.

Army Reunites Rescued Women, Children with Families in Borno