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Nigeria: 10 Years after Chibok, Schoolchildren Still at Risk – HRW

Published

2 years ago

April 12, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria: 10 Years after Chibok, Schoolchildren Still at Risk – HRW

…Urges Government To Implement Safe Schools Plan to Protect Schools, Children

By: Our Reporter

Ten years after the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Nigerian authorities have failed to put in place and sustain crucial measures to provide a secure learning environment for every child, Human Rights Watch said today.

Since 2014, according to Save the Children, more than 1,600 children have been abducted or kidnapped across northern Nigeria. In the northeast, the armed conflict between Boko Haram and Nigerian armed forces continues to take its toll and, in the northwest, criminal groups commonly called bandits are terrorizing communities. During February and March 2024 alone, bandits kidnapped over 200 children from their schools in Kaduna and Sokoto states.

“For many children across northern Nigeria, the pursuit of an education means facing the constant threat of abduction or kidnapping,” said Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Children should never face the harrowing dilemma of sacrificing their safety for education, but this untenable choice, which echoes the profound insecurity plaguing the country, is thrust upon them daily.”

On April 14, 2014, Boko Haram, an Islamist armed group, abducted 276 girls from their school in Chibok, a town in northeastern Borno state, sparking global outrage. Although some of the girls escaped, or were released or rescued, 96 remain in captivity according to UNICEF, and civil society groups continue to pressure the government to ensure they are rescued. Boko Haram, known for its opposition to education, has carried out other such abductions, including one of 110 girls from a school in Dapchi, a town in Yobe state, in 2018.

In addition to kidnappings by Boko Haram in the northeast, the ongoing banditry crisis in the northwest has in recent years made that area a hub for criminal kidnapping for ransom. The crisis emerged after years of conflict between herders and farmers, giving rise to the criminal groups, which have carried out widespread killings, looting, extortion, and kidnapping for ransom in mostly rural communities.

Between December 2020 and February 2021, a series of high-profile incidents, including the abduction of over 600 schoolchildren across Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger states, thrust the kidnapping issue into the spotlight.

In the aftermath of Chibok, the Nigerian government endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, an international political commitment to protect education from attack and schools from military use which turns them into targets. The government also adopted a Safe School Initiative for Nigeria with the support of the global community and Nigerian business leaders. The initiative aimed to raise funds with an initial US$10 million pledge to help make schools safer, including by moving them to safer areas and creating a safe school model for schools across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, the three states worst hit by the Boko Haram insurgency.

However, the multi-stakeholder initiative faced problems, and there has been a decline in momentum over the years with little or no progress made in fortifying schools, Human Rights Watch said. In 2021, Nigeria’s then-Senate president Ahmad Lawan, following an investigation into the utilization of the funds for the initiative, declared that it was designed to fail without a National Policy and Strategy for the Safe School Initiative and the leadership of the Federal Education Ministry. In the meantime, communities continue to suffer the brunt of bandit attacks and schoolchildren remain vulnerable prey.

A Chibok girl who was in Boko Haram captivity for over two years, and was released with 20 others, told Human Rights Watch that news of school kidnappings brings back memories of her ordeal. “Whenever I hear that more children have been kidnapped, I feel terrible, helpless,” she said. “We are still not safe … It brings back memories of what happened to me. I can never forget being snatched from my parents, my family for so long. I pray this is not the case for those that are kidnapped.” She is now a 28-year-old university student studying natural and environmental sciences.

Kemi Okenyodo, an expert in security and governance and the executive director of the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative in Abuja, told Human Rights Watch that the ongoing school kidnappings, resembling those in Chibok a decade ago, highlight a failure to learn from past experiences, as they are taking place without adequate security infrastructure or intervention from authorities to prevent dozens or hundreds of children being snatched away at once.

Amid the heightened threat of attacks on schools, many have been forced to shut down completely, with more than 20 million children out of school in Nigeria, according to UNESCO, among the highest number in any country in the world. According to UNICEF, 66 percent of out-of-school children in Nigeria are from the northeast and northwest, which are among the poorest regions in the country.

For girls especially, the challenges are double edged. They risk rape and other forms of sexual violence if kidnapped, and if kept out of school, they risk child marriage, which is a common practice in these regions.

In 2021, the government adopted the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence Free Schools aimed at improving school security, strengthening the capabilities of security agents to respond to threats, and ensuring that education continues for children displaced by conflict and crisis, among other reasons.

The authorities committed to investing 144.8 billion naira (about $314.5 million at the time) over a certain period to finance this initiative. In 2023, they announced that 15 billion naira (about $24 million at the time) had been earmarked to pilot the initiative in 18 high-risk states and 48 schools. However, details of the implementation are sparse, and it remains unclear the extent to which this has been done.

Okenyodo told Human Rights Watch that the government needs to involve communities in designing and implementing initiatives to make schools safer to create a sense of ownership and reduce inefficiency and corruption.

“Now more than ever, the Nigerian authorities should step up efforts to make learning safe for children,” Ewang said. “They should work with communities to adopt rights-respecting measures and put in place adequate financing, systems, and structures to ensure quick, effective, and transparent implementation to ensure that children can learn without being exposed to grave harm.”

Nigeria: 10 Years after Chibok, Schoolchildren Still at Risk – HRW

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Zulum: Borno Will Deliver Tinubu, APC Candidates in 2027 Elections

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Zulum: Borno Will Deliver Tinubu, APC Candidates in 2027 Elections

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed the commitment of the people of the state to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

Governor Zulum made the commitment on Monday during the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senatorial District Primary Election for Borno Central, in Maiduguri.

The governor also commended President Tinubu for choosing Senator Kashim Shettima as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, describing the decision as a great honor to the people of the state.

“Let me begin by extending a profound appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for all the support that he has been rendering to our great party and indeed the government and people of the state and for him to choose one of our own, Senator Kashim Shettima, as the Vice President, we remain eternally grateful to him,” Zulum stated.

He assured the President of overwhelming support from Borno State ahead of the next presidential election.

“Insha Allah, the people of Borno State will vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term,” the governor declared.

Zulum also endorsed Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan for another term as Senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District in 2027.

“Today, it has been affirmed that Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan will return as Senator for Borno Central come 2027, Insha Allah,” he said.

The governor called on party supporters and the electorate to remain united and to support APC candidates at all levels.

Chairman of Borno State Senatorial District Primary Elections Committee, Jones Ode Erue, hailed the rancor-free process of all the primary elections conducted in the state.

He commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for providing a level playing field and ensuring the exercise was conducted smoothly.

According to him, since the candidate for Borno Central senatorial district, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, is unopposed, his candidacy was affirmed by voice vote.

“We have a single candidate, so what we will do is affirmation in compliance with the electoral Act and the APC Constitution,” Esue said.

“By the powers vested in me as Chairman of Borno State Senatorial District Primary Election Committee, I,
Prophet Jones Ode Erue, hereby declare, affirm, and present Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, having satisfied the constitution of the APC, as the duly returned candidate for Borno Central District,” he declared.

Senator representing Borno Central and APC Senatorial candidate, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, SAN, accepted the party’s candidacy and promised his constituents that he would serve diligently.

He thanked Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for the tremendous support and for allowing him to be the party’s sole candidate.

“I hereby accept the candidacy bestowed on me by the party and promised to serve my constituents without affection or ill will,” Kaka Shehu stated.

Officials from INEC and the Security Agencies monitored the exercise.

The event was attended by the APC Deputy National Chairman North, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; serving and newly elected candidates for the House of Representatives; the APC state chairman; APC National and State officials; the Secretary to the State Government; the Acting Chief of Staff; Commissioners; and other senior government officials.

Zulum: Borno Will Deliver Tinubu, APC Candidates in 2027 Elections

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Cuba Accuses US of Building ‘False Case’ for Possible Invasion Amid Rising Tensions

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Cuba Accuses US of Building ‘False Case’ for Possible Invasion Amid Rising Tensions

By: Michael Mike

The Cuban government has accused the United States of fabricating allegations against Havana as a pretext for possible military aggression, following reports that Washington is increasingly concerned about Cuba’s alleged drone capabilities and growing ties with Russia and Iran.

Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, alleged that the United States was “manufacturing a fraudulent case” against Cuba in an attempt to justify tougher sanctions and heightened pressure on the Caribbean nation.

The accusation followed recent reports in American media suggesting that U.S. intelligence agencies were assessing what they described as an emerging security threat linked to Cuba’s acquisition of military drones.

According to reports, U.S. officials fear that Havana may be strengthening military cooperation with countries considered strategic rivals of Washington, including Russia and Iran.

Cuba, however, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and part of a long-standing campaign aimed at isolating the communist-led island nation.

The development marks a fresh escalation in already strained relations between United States and Cuba, amid worsening economic hardship in Cuba and renewed geopolitical rivalry involving major global powers.

Analysts say tensions between both countries have intensified in recent months following stricter U.S. sanctions, worsening fuel shortages in Cuba and increased diplomatic hostilities.

The Cuban government has repeatedly accused Washington of fueling economic suffering on the island through decades-old embargoes and restrictive measures, while the U.S. maintains that its policies are targeted at promoting democracy and human rights.

The latest dispute emerged after reports claimed that Cuba may have expanded its drone programme with external support, raising security concerns in Washington over possible threats near strategic U.S. facilities, including the Guantanamo Bay naval base.

Havana strongly denied any hostile intentions, insisting that the allegations were exaggerated to create fear and justify additional punitive actions against the country.

Observers note that the war of words comes at a delicate moment in international relations, with growing global polarization between Western powers and countries aligned with Russia and China.

Cuba Accuses US of Building ‘False Case’ for Possible Invasion Amid Rising Tensions

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EU, UNODC, ECOWAS Back Nigeria’s New Drug Control Plan, Warn of Rising Threats

Published

16 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

EU, UNODC, ECOWAS Back Nigeria’s New Drug Control Plan, Warn of Rising Threats

By: Michael Mike

International partners including the European Union (EU), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have pledged continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking under the proposed 2026–2030 National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP).

The commitment was made on Monday during the opening of a two-day NDCMP Consultative Forum organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Abuja, where stakeholders commended the agency’s achievements while warning against complacency amid evolving drug threats across Africa.

Speaking at the forum, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Zissimos Vergos, said the European Union remained committed to strengthening collaboration with Nigeria in addressing the transnational nature of drug trafficking and substance abuse.

According to him, Nigeria’s stability and Europe’s security are interconnected, stressing that the impact of drug abuse and trafficking extends beyond national borders.

“Our presence here today is that of partners who have walked this uphill and rough road ourselves, and we continue doing that,” he said.

“What affects the youth of Maiduguri or the streets of Ibadan does not stay within Nigerian borders. Drug trafficking is a transnational challenge, and the master plan laid before this forum is Nigeria’s contribution to a transnational response.”

Vergos noted that the EU had also updated its own drug strategy and action plan with stronger emphasis on international cooperation, adding that the bloc was ready to work with Nigeria in translating the new master plan into practical outcomes.

He also praised the leadership and personnel of the NDLEA for their dedication and commitment to drug control efforts.

Also addressing participants, UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Touré, warned that the global drug landscape was rapidly changing, driven by the rise of synthetic drugs, increasingly sophisticated trafficking networks, and the growing use of technology to facilitate illicit markets.

He said Nigeria was at the centre of these emerging threats, making it imperative for the country to adopt a comprehensive, data-driven, and forward-looking strategy.

Touré reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through technical assistance, institutional strengthening, evidence-based prevention and treatment programmes, and enhanced international cooperation.

“As we look ahead, we see this master plan as an opportunity to deepen impact, strengthen data systems, reinforce institutions across all levels of governance, and ensure that the response is people-centred, inclusive, and sustainable,” he said.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, said although Nigeria had recorded significant progress over the past five years, the country must confront a more complex and evolving drug threat.

Citing projections by the UNODC, Marwa said drug use in Africa could rise by 40 per cent by 2030, while West Africa continued to serve as a major corridor for cocaine trafficking between Latin America and Europe.

He further identified the growing abuse of synthetic substances, prescription drugs, new psychoactive substances, and the increasing digitalisation of the illicit drug trade through encrypted platforms and dark web operations as major concerns.

“As Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria cannot afford to be a passive observer. The risks to our youth, our workforce, and our national security are too high,” Marwa stated.

He explained that the proposed 2026–2030 master plan would introduce new strategic pillars, including alternative development and sustainable livelihoods to address the socio-economic drivers of the drug trade, as well as the disruption of illicit drug economies through financial intelligence.

Marwa urged stakeholders at the forum to think boldly and propose innovative solutions that would shape Nigeria’s drug control strategy over the next five years.

Also speaking, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Dr. Daniel Amankwaah, described Nigeria’s master plan as critical to the regional bloc, noting that several ECOWAS member states often draw policy direction from Nigeria’s framework.

He assured the NDLEA of ECOWAS support, not only in finalising the plan but also during implementation.

Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, commended the NDLEA for its sustained advocacy, enforcement, rehabilitation, and stakeholder engagement efforts.

She stressed the need for a holistic and multi-sectoral response involving education, healthcare, law enforcement, community participation, and social support systems to effectively address the root causes and consequences of drug abuse.

Other dignitaries at the event included representatives of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics and the National Orientation Agency.

EU, UNODC, ECOWAS Back Nigeria’s New Drug Control Plan, Warn of Rising Threats