Crime
UNODC and Partners Support Workshops to Prosecute War Crimes and Sexual Violence in Conflict
UNODC and Partners Support Workshops to Prosecute War Crimes and Sexual Violence in Conflict
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Wayamo Foundation and the United Nations Team of Experts of the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, conducted two capacity building workshops for Nigerian investigators and prosecutors on the investigation and prosecution of international crimes, with a special focus on conflict-related sexual violence.
The two workshops were conducted under the framework of the recently established project, “Strengthening Nigerian Capacity in the Investigation and Prosecution of International Crimes, with a Special Focus on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” a joint initiative of the three entities.
The project, which aims to increase accountability for acts of sexual violence allegedly committed by all parties to the conflict in Northeast Nigeria, seeks to build the capacity of prosecutors from the Federal Ministry of Justice’s Complex Case Group (CCG) and Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Prosecution Hub, as well as investigating and prosecuting officers from the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Although conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is not yet specifically recognized as a distinct offence under Nigerian law, the project aims to broaden the collective understanding of acts that amount to CRSV, such as sexual slavery, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, that fall outside more commonly acknowledged forms of sexual violence in Nigeria, such as rape and sexual harassment, captured by the Criminal Code, Penal Code and Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.
The project also seeks to emphasize the gravity and distinctiveness of CRSV, as a form of sexual violence not committed in isolation, but in the context of widespread armed violence, including by terrorist groups.
The absence of national legislation on CRSV poses a challenge for Nigeria in meeting its international legal obligations to investigate and prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity. In response to this lacuna, the workshop highlighted the importance of legal innovation, both in terms of how the existing law is interpreted and by leveraging some of the new technological tools that have become available.
Participants explored new ways to utilize the existing offences enshrined in the TPPA to charge acts of CRSV. While in the technological context, the Digital Programme Team at Wayamo briefed the participants on the new digital evidence management tool that Wayamo, in collaboration with UNODC, has introduced to the Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) in Maiduguri and the CCG in Abuja.
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The workshop also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss ways to strengthen inter-agency collaboration between CCG prosecutors and JIC investigators to ensure a joint and cohesive approach to screening, interviewing, evidence recovery, case file preparation, and charging offences.
Underscoring inter-agency collaboration in the period leading up to the UN’s annual 16 Days of Activism on Gender Based Violence which run from 25th November to 10th December is particularly timely and aligns with this year’s global theme: “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls”.
Sexual violence in conflict has historically been under reported and under prosecuted, Nigeria must be congratulated in taking important steps to ensure that the individuals responsible for this most insidious terrorist tactic are held to account.
This activity supports the implementation of UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Nigeria in particular as concerns protecting women and children from sexual and gender based violence and exploitation.
UNODC and Partners Support Workshops to Prosecute War Crimes and Sexual Violence in Conflict
Troops neutralise terrorist, destroy camps in Zamfara offensive
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under 1 Brigade, in conjunction with Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have neutralised a suspected terrorist and destroyed several camps during an offensive operation in Zamfara State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 4:00 a.m. on April 27 when troops conducted a fighting patrol to Dan Gajeru and Kokomba areas in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The sources disclosed that troops made contact with terrorists during the operation, leading to an exchange of fire.
According to the sources, one terrorist was neutralised, while troops recovered two locally fabricated firearms, two motorcycles, eight mobile phones, and assorted hard drugs.
The sources added that several terrorist camps were also destroyed during the operation.
They further stated that troops have continued clearance operations in the general area to consolidate gains and prevent the re-establishment of criminal hideouts.
Troops neutralise terrorist, destroy camps in Zamfara offensive
Troops disrupt terrorist logistics supply in Niger, recover items
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under 22 Brigade and Sector 1, Operation Safe Haven, have disrupted the activities of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Niger State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 7:30 a.m. on April 26 when troops, led by the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. N.N. Rume, conducted an offensive operation at Latan Daji in Patigi Local Government Area.
The sources disclosed that troops made contact with the suspected logistics suppliers during the operation and engaged them, forcing the suspects to abandon their items and flee the area.
Items recovered include three motorcycles, a sack containing assorted soft drinks, and half bags of rice and gari.
According to the sources, the Brigade Commander also held a meeting with village heads in the area, warning them against associating with or providing logistics support to criminal elements.
The sources added that troops have since returned to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Patigi, while surveillance and patrols have been intensified in the area.
Troops disrupt terrorist logistics supply in Niger, recover items
Troops rescue kidnapped victim in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have rescued a kidnapped victim in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said the rescue was carried out at about 11:00 p.m. on April 26 by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bilawa-Jor during a fighting patrol around Naka.
The sources disclosed that the victim was found during the operation and safely extracted by the troops.
According to preliminary investigation, the victim had gone missing during an earlier attack at Mbapa community in the same local government area.
The sources added that the rescued victim has been evacuated to Naka General Hospital for medical attention.
Troops rescue kidnapped victim in Benue
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