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Nigeria Moves to Tighten Response to Intimate Image Abuse as UN Warns of Rising Cyber-Interpersonal Violence
Nigeria Moves to Tighten Response to Intimate Image Abuse as UN Warns of Rising Cyber-Interpersonal Violence
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria is stepping up efforts to confront the growing threat of cyber-interpersonal violence, particularly the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and sextortion, as global and national stakeholders push for stronger legal and survivor-centred responses to online abuse.
The renewed push came during a high-level workshop in Lagos supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), where experts and policymakers examined how Nigeria can better prevent and respond to intimate image abuse—one of the fastest-growing forms of digital exploitation.
The discussions were anchored in a broader global shift following the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime on 24 December 2024, which formally recognizes cyber-enabled harms such as intimate image exploitation, online harassment, and sextortion as serious transnational crimes requiring coordinated international action.
Participants warned that cyber-interpersonal violence has become one of the most personal and devastating forms of online harm, often leaving lasting psychological, social, and economic consequences for victims. While women and girls remain disproportionately affected, experts stressed that victims cut across gender, age, and social boundaries.
Non-consensual sharing of intimate images—commonly referred to as “revenge porn”—and sextortion were identified as particularly pervasive, with perpetrators exploiting digital platforms to blackmail, shame, and control victims.
Stakeholders noted that beyond legal violations, these acts strip victims of privacy, dignity, autonomy, and security, often pushing them into isolation, mental distress, and in some cases, withdrawal from education or employment.
The workshop emphasized the need for Nigeria to strengthen its legal frameworks, improve institutional coordination, and build capacity among law enforcement, prosecutors, educators, and counsellors.
Through its ongoing technical support, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has been assisting countries to develop national standards, improve cross-border cooperation, and establish survivor-centred response systems that prioritize safety, dignity, and access to justice.
Experts at the meeting stressed that effective responses must go beyond criminalization. They called for integrated systems that combine law enforcement with psychosocial support, digital literacy, prevention campaigns, and victim protection mechanisms.
A key message from the discussions was the need to place survivors at the centre of all interventions. Participants argued that many victims of intimate image abuse face stigma and institutional neglect, making reporting and recovery difficult.
They called for reforms that ensure survivors are believed, protected from further harm, and supported through accessible justice systems and emotional care services.
The workshop also formally acknowledged contributions from Nigerian stakeholders, including Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, commending his participation in ongoing discussions on cybercrime response frameworks and victim support mechanisms.
Analysts said the renewed attention reflects a broader global concern over the speed at which digital platforms are enabling new forms of exploitation, outpacing existing legal and institutional safeguards in many countries.
With Nigeria increasingly integrated into global digital networks, experts warn that failure to act decisively could deepen vulnerabilities, particularly among young people and women who are most exposed to online abuse.
As discussions continue, stakeholders insist that the future of cybercrime response in Nigeria must balance enforcement with empathy—ensuring that justice systems not only punish offenders but also restore dignity to survivors.
Nigeria Moves to Tighten Response to Intimate Image Abuse as UN Warns of Rising Cyber-Interpersonal Violence
News
Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau
Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Gallant troops of the Nigerian Army’s 33 Artillery Brigade have launched a major offensive against terrorist and bandit hideouts in Dajin Madam Forest, straddling Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau State, destroying several camps and neutralising two armed criminals during successive encounters.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation commenced at about 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 8, 2026, with troops advancing into the forest in a coordinated offensive against criminal elements operating within the area.
During the operation, the troops successfully cleared several terrorist camps across five identified locations within the forest, denying the criminals access to their established hideouts and support infrastructure.
The troops subsequently destroyed and burnt the terrorists’ life-support structures, including facilities believed to have sustained their presence and operations in the forest.
The offensive gathered momentum at about 3:41 p.m. when troops made contact with the armed bandits at another location within the forest.
The soldiers engaged the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
Evidence of the effectiveness of the engagement was indicated by bloodstains observed along the bandits’ withdrawal routes, suggesting that some of the fleeing criminals might have sustained gunshot injuries.
Undeterred, the troops continued exploiting the general area, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of ammunition, communication equipment, mobility assets and other logistics.
Items recovered included 135 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, PKT ammunition links, two motorcycles, two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), two communication radios and four mobile phones.
The troops also recovered three woodland and desert camouflage uniforms, two Keystone camouflage uniforms and other sundry items believed to be associated with the activities of the criminal group.
In a further demonstration of sustained combat pressure, the troops made another contact with the fleeing bandits at about 6:30 p.m. during a pursuit operation.
The soldiers engaged the criminals, neutralising two bandits close to Kukawa village in Kanam Local Government Area.
Two additional motorcycles were also recovered during the encounter.
Following the successful engagements, the troops moved to a harbour position at Kukawa, where they continued to maintain their operational presence in the area.
The operation represents a significant offensive against armed criminal networks using the Dajin Madam Forest corridor as a hideout, with the destruction of their camps, recovery of ammunition and logistics, and the neutralisation of two bandits further disrupting their operational capabilities.
The sustained advance by the troops also illustrated the Nigerian Army’s determination to deny terrorists and bandits safe havens in the forests linking Kanam and Wase, while maintaining pressure on fleeing elements.
Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
By: Zagazola Makama
An inspection team from the ECOWAS Force Headquarters and Army Headquarters has assessed the operational readiness of Nigeria’s ECOWAS standby force at Naquora Barracks in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the team, led by Brig.-Gen. Sheikh Sulaiman Massaquoi, visited the barracks on Nov. 7, 2026, to evaluate the troops’ preparedness for possible deployment.
The team received briefings on troop readiness, training and administrative matters, and witnessed demonstrations on roadblock operations and crowd dispersal.
Massaquoi commended the troops for their performance and urged them to sustain high standards of professionalism, discipline and physical fitness.
The inspection visit ended without any incident.
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have foiled a suspected kidnapping attempt and rescued a gunshot-wounded victim along the Rafin Sanyi axis in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 6 OPEP, deployed at Sopp, responded to a distress report at about 9:40 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, after suspected kidnappers blocked the road in the area.
The swift intervention of the troops reportedly forced the criminals to flee before they could carry out their operation.
The troops subsequently combed the area and rescued one occupant of a Sharon vehicle who had sustained a gunshot wound.
The victim was evacuated to the Nigerian Army Medical Outpost at Tigi, where he received first aid treatment.
Troops have continued to dominate the general area through fighting patrols to prevent the criminals from regrouping and forestall further attacks.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Gunshot-Wounded Victim in Plateau
Gallant Troops Overrun Terrorist Camps in Dajin Madam Forest, Neutralise Two Bandits in Plateau
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle, Discover Suspected Bandit’s Corpse in Old Oyo National Park
ECOWAS Inspection Team Assesses Readiness of Nigerian Standby Force in Ondo
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