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UNODC and Partners Support Workshops to Prosecute War Crimes and Sexual Violence in Conflict

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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. 

READ ALSO: https://dailypost.ng/2022/10/12/19-iswap-terrorists-killed-as-troops-repel-boko-haram-attack-in-gamboru/

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

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Troops recover another bodies of four herders, targeted and killed by Kaduna

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Troops recover another bodies of four herders, targeted and killed by Kaduna

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered the bodies of four herders allegedly killed by local youths in a reprisal attack in Kamantan Chiefdom, Kaduna State.

Security sources said the incident followed a kidnapping episode at Zuturuntinta village, where the herders were reported missing.

The sources disclosed that troops received intelligence on April 4 indicating that the victims were attacked and killed while relocating with their cattle to a safer location on the same night of the incident.

“They were reportedly intercepted and attacked by some angry youths, allegedly in retaliation for the death of a local during the kidnapping incident,” the source said.

Following the report, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in the area requested military assistance to mobilise the community for a search operation to locate the missing herders.

Troops were immediately deployed to the village, where they convened a meeting with community members, including the village head.

The village head was said to have provided local hunters and members of the Kaduna Vigilante Service (KADVS) to support the search alongside troops and Fulani representatives.

During the operation, troops identified multiple indicators suggesting the herders had been killed.

“Following blood trails, troops discovered a shallow grave where the four victims were buried,” the source added.

Items recovered at the scene included two mobile phones.

The remains of the victims were reburied at the same location in accordance with Islamic rites, with the consent of their families and Fulani community leaders.

The Sector Commander has directed community leaders to produce those responsible for the killings not later than Wednesday to face justice and help restore peace in the area.

Troops have since been deployed to reinforce security and prevent possible reprisal attacks.

Troops recover another bodies of four herders, targeted and killed by Kaduna

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Troops recover suspected rustled cattle in Plateau

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Troops recover suspected rustled cattle in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have recovered suspected rustled cattle during a night patrol in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the recovery was made on April 3 at about 10:05 p.m. following intelligence on the movement of suspected cattle rustlers along Suma Ruga Rakwok village axis.

It was gathered that troops deployed at Kanse laid an ambush along a bush path in the area.

On sighting the troops, the rustlers reportedly abandoned the cattle and fled into the surrounding bush.

The recovered livestock have been secured, while efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number and identify the rightful owners.

Sources added that Fulani community leaders would be contacted to facilitate proper identification and handover of the cattle.

Troops recover suspected rustled cattle in Plateau

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Troops neutralise kidnapper, rescue victim in Enugu

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Troops neutralise kidnapper, rescue victim in Enugu

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation UDO KA have neutralised a suspected kidnapper and rescued a victim during a search-and-rescue operation in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Security sources said the operation was conducted on April 3 at about 6:05 a.m. following a distress call from the Nigeria Police, Obolo Division, based on a report by the Ezimo Community Neighbourhood Watch.

It was gathered that the troops, drawn from 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, made contact with the suspected kidnappers during the operation, leading to a gun battle.

One of the suspects was neutralised, while others fled into the surrounding bush.

During exploitation of the area, the troops successfully rescued the kidnapped victim.

Items recovered at the scene included six mobile phones, a power bank, a torchlight, energy drinks, clothing and food items.

The corpse of the neutralised suspect and the rescued victim were handed over to the police for further action.

Authorities said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure the area remains secure.

Troops neutralise kidnapper, rescue victim in Enugu

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