Babatunji Wusu –
- NCTC reveals the exploitation of young girls in suicide missions and sexual violence by terrorist organizations in Nigeria.
- Major-General Adamu Laka calls for stronger legislative provisions to protect and support victims.
- The launch of the Model Legislative Provisions Project marks a step forward in providing victims with the rights and resources they need.
- The creation of a Victims Trust Fund, part of Nigeria’s 2022 Terrorist Prevention and Prohibition Act, is critical to supporting survivors’ recovery.
The National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) revealed a disturbing trend on Wednesday, outlining the exploitation of young girls in suicide missions and the increasing sexual violence perpetrated by terrorist groups in various regions. These revelations come amid growing concerns about the long-lasting impact of terrorism on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
At the launch of a new Technical Assistance Project in Abuja, Major-General Adamu Laka, the NCTC’s national coordinator, discussed the pressing need for model legislative provisions to protect the rights of terrorism victims and support their recovery. Laka emphasized that children, women, and youth have been disproportionately affected by terrorist activities, citing alarming instances of abduction, forced military training, and the exploitation of young girls as sex slaves. Survivors of such atrocities are often left with deep psychological scars and social stigmatization.
Laka further referenced the heartbreaking cases of the Chibok girls and other similar abductions, highlighting the devastating effect of terrorism on families and communities, which face fear, loss, and a pervasive sense of insecurity. These events also contribute to broader social issues, such as the displacement of populations, disrupted education systems, and weakened social cohesion.
The launch of the Model Legislative Provisions Project to support victims’ rights marks a significant development in counter-terrorism efforts. The initiative, which is a collaboration with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), aims to build Nigeria’s capacity to address terrorism while ensuring that victims receive comprehensive support.
Mauro Miedico, Director of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, underscored the importance of creating a Victims Trust Fund, established under Nigeria’s Terrorist Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022. This fund is intended to provide financial assistance to victims and empower survivors to rebuild their lives. Miedico also affirmed that the UN will continue to work closely with the Nigerian government to support the rehabilitation and empowerment of those affected by terrorism.
