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Nigeria: 10 Years after Chibok, Schoolchildren Still at Risk – HRW
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
FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to expand Nigeria’s mobile and digital connectivity beyond its borders as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security and lower the cost of internet services across the region.
The initiative was disclosed on Monday during the second edition of the Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 held in Abuja and organised by Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the Federal Government plans to extend Nigeria’s fibre-optic network into neighbouring countries as part of efforts to modernise digital infrastructure and tackle security challenges.
According to him, the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is investing in about ninety thousand kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure that will connect Nigeria with neighbouring countries including Cameroon, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad.
Tijani explained that the regional connectivity project would help reduce the cost of internet capacity in neighbouring countries, where the price of connectivity is significantly higher than in Nigeria.
He noted that while the project would improve digital access and affordability, it would also support national security operations along the country’s borders.
“This fibre network will also provide opportunities for the military because it will run across our borders, which means we will have stronger capabilities for fibre sensing and surveillance,” the minister said.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic advantage as the only country in West Africa operating its own communications satellite through Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, noting that the platform plays a critical role in providing connectivity to remote and underserved communities.
According to Tijani, satellite infrastructure supports sectors such as agriculture, education, business and security, especially in areas where terrestrial networks are limited.
He commended President Tinubu for approving the acquisition of additional satellites, describing the move as a strong demonstration of the government’s commitment to building future-ready digital infrastructure.
The minister added that investments in infrastructure must be accompanied by practical applications capable of driving real development outcomes.
“Satellite technology is a powerful enabler, particularly in the area of security,” he said.
In her welcome remarks, the Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, said the event reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to harnessing space technology for national development.
She highlighted initiatives such as Project 774, which aims to provide satellite-enabled connectivity to all local government areas in Nigeria, ensuring that rural and underserved communities are not left behind in the country’s digital transformation.
Egerton-Idehen also noted that the agency is strengthening its global partnerships, including collaborations with Eutelsat and the Kenya Space Agency, while Nigeria currently serves as Vice Chair of the Global Satellite Operators Association.
She explained that the role allows Nigeria to participate actively in shaping international satellite policy and spectrum management discussions.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, emphasised the importance of satellite technology in strengthening communication systems and supporting critical services.
According to him, satellite infrastructure has become vital for communication, emergency response, education, security and broader technological advancement.
The Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and innovators to explore opportunities within the satellite and digital infrastructure ecosystem.
Participants say the event provides a platform for collaboration aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading force in Africa’s rapidly expanding digital and satellite economy.
FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs
VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has commiserated with former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother, late Hajiya Fatima Umma.
The Vice President who paid the El-Rufai family at their Abuja residence called for collective effort in uniting the nation aside political differences.
Senator Shettima prayed for the repose of the soul of the late matriarch of the El-Rufai family.
The late Hajiya Fatima Umma El-Rufai passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, at the age of 96.
The Vice President was received by former Governor of Bauchi State, Ahmad Adamu Muazu; former Chief of Army Staff, General Abdurrahman Dambazau; Abdullahi Sarkin Gobir Adiya, and the member Representing Kaduna North, Bello El-Rufai, Bashir El-Rufai.
VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise
Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector
By: Michael Mike
Stakeholders from government, the organised private sector, development agencies, and civil society have called for stronger collaboration and expanded financing to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient and cleaner production practices in Nigeria’s industrial sector.
The call was made on Monday during a special project-specific interactive session and Efficiency Champions Competition organised under the Global Environment Facility and United Nations Industrial Development Organization Industrial Energy Efficiency and Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production project in Abuja.
The event brought together representatives of industries, non-governmental organisations, financial institutions, policy makers, and members of the media to review the progress of the initiative and explore opportunities for expanding sustainable industrial practices across the country.
Speakers at the session emphasised that improving energy efficiency and reducing waste in industrial operations are essential for lowering production costs, boosting competitiveness and promoting environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Opening the session, the project leadership said the initiative had recorded significant progress in promoting industrial energy efficiency and resource-efficient production methods within Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
According to the National Project Coordinator, GEF-UNIDO IEE and RECP Project, Jacob Oladipo revealed that the project has supported capacity building programmes, cleaner production assessments, policy engagement and innovative financing mechanisms designed to help industries reduce energy consumption while improving productivity.
He explained that the project had demonstrated that sustainable industrial practices are not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial to businesses.
The session also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review the outcomes of the project and identify lessons that could support the wider adoption of energy-efficient technologies and cleaner production systems across industries.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Kunle Fadare said the initiative was both timely and strategic for Nigeria’s industrial growth.
He noted that the industrial sector accounts for more than thirty per cent of the country’s total energy consumption but still operates far below optimal efficiency levels.
Fadare said studies have shown that improvements in energy efficiency within Nigerian industries could lead to savings of between twenty and forty per cent in energy use.
He added that such gains would translate into reduced production costs, improved competitiveness and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
He also highlighted the environmental implications of industrial waste, noting that Nigeria generates more than thirty-two million tonnes of solid waste annually, a significant portion of which originates from industrial activities.
According to him, adopting resource-efficient and cleaner production practices would not only reduce waste but also strengthen long-term business sustainability.
Fadare further praised the Efficiency Champions Competition, describing it as an important platform for recognising businesses that are taking concrete steps toward sustainable production.
He said the initiative would help showcase best practices and encourage other companies to adopt energy-efficient technologies.
Global trends, he added, show that markets increasingly favour environmentally responsible production systems, particularly as access to international markets becomes tied to sustainability and environmental compliance.
He therefore urged Nigerian businesses to proactively embrace energy efficiency and cleaner production practices to remain competitive in regional and global markets.
Also speaking, the Global Environment Facility desk officer commended the collaboration among stakeholders involved in implementing the project.
The official expressed appreciation to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization for providing technical guidance and to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria for supporting the implementation of the initiative.
The desk officer also acknowledged the role played by various government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, in advancing the project’s objectives.
According to the official, the interactive session was designed to allow stakeholders to examine emerging issues related to energy use in industries, share experiences, address challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.
The official stressed that sustainable economic growth requires strong collaboration among government, industry, development partners and civil society.
Participants were therefore encouraged to actively contribute ideas and insights that could help strengthen the implementation of energy-efficient industrial practices in Nigeria.
Representatives of the organised private sector also highlighted the need to scale up financing mechanisms that support industries seeking to adopt energy-efficient technologies.
They noted that while progress had been made through innovative financing models and technical support programmes, wider adoption would require increased investment, stronger policy support and continued capacity building for industries, particularly small and medium enterprises.
Stakeholders agreed that the engagement of the organised private sector, non-governmental organisations and the media would be critical in sustaining the momentum generated by the project.
They emphasised that awareness creation, knowledge sharing and policy advocacy would play key roles in expanding the adoption of energy-efficient and cleaner production practices across Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
Participants expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would help accelerate the transition toward a more efficient, competitive and environmentally sustainable industrial sector in Nigeria.
Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector
FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member while attempting to infiltrate Maiduguri
VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise
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