On 20 November 2024, the Office of the National Security Adviser of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched the project “Technical Support on the Rights and Needs of Victims of Terrorism through the Establishment of National Comprehensive Assistance Plans and Model Legislative Provisions”. The launch event was followed by a three-day technical assistance workshop held in the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in Abuja, bringing together high-level decision-makers and technical experts from the Federal Government of Nigeria and individual states significantly affected by terrorism.
The initiative aims to develop legislation and national assistance plans to support victims and survivors of terrorism using the “Model Legislative Provisions (MLP) to Support the Rights and Needs of Victims of Terrorism” as a foundational guide. These provisions – co-developed by UNODC, UNOCT and the Interparliamentary Union (IPU) following expert consultations with civil society, victims and survivors of terrorism, and government experts, address critical themes identified by victims. These include remembrance and recognition, protection, assistance and support, access to justice, compensation and reparations, and the involvement of civil society in recovery processes. The MLP provides a framework for reviewing existing national laws and procedures related to victims of terrorism, including the development of national legislation where applicable, as well as promoting the exchange of best practices among Member States.
In his inaugural remarks, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator for the National Counter-Terrorism Centre emphasized the project’s importance in centering the needs of victims. He highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to “placing victims at the heart of counter-terrorism” and supporting survivors in their journey towards healing and reintegration into society, breaking the cycle of violence.
Mr Cheikh Touré, Country Representative for the UNODC in Nigeria underscored the importance of acknowledging victims’ trauma and amplifying their voices and stories to push back against terrorism. He observed that the protection of victims of terrorism is a collective issue, stating that ‘it is society’s responsibility to help the victims of terrorism reclaim the humanity that terrorists seek to strip them of”.
In a video message to participants, Mr. Mauro Miedico, Director of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism commended Nigeria’s leadership in advancing support for victims and survivors. He noted that, by committing to this project, Nigeria was leading the way for other nations in ensuring that “the rights and dignity of victims and survivors are upheld and that terrorist act’s impact is met with strength, justice and unity.”)
Representing the Hon. Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, Dr Azeezat Yishawu, saluted the MLP as a critical tool for preventing and countering violent extremism, reflecting Nigeria’s collective resolve to provide justice. She further noted that “The introduction of the MLP not only provides a comprehensive framework but also a path to rehabilitate and reintegrate, ensuring that our youth have the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”
The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, representing the Hon. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, described the event as a milestone in addressing the needs of victims. He expressed hope that the MLP would be able to build upon the 2022 Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act. He added, “By providing legal aid and counseling, we can empower victims to rebuild their lives.”
Also in attendance was Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory. In her remarks, she emphasized the integration of women’s perspectives within the national security agenda as a means to invest both in greater equality and community intervention. She commended Nigeria’s engagement with the MLP, stating “We are deliberately bringing the conversation to a place of action and global reference.”
In the past decade, Nigeria has suffered grievously from terrorism. An estimated 30,000 lives have been lost to the violence perpetrated by Boko Haram and its progeny, and as many 2.4 million people have been displaced from their homes. In response, UNODC has been working in partnership with the Government of Nigeria to strengthen the criminal justice response to terrorism, enhance accountability, and support and protect the rights and needs of victims and survivors of terrorism.
While the prosecution of terrorism-related crimes is essential to restoring stability and justice, understanding the plight of victims and developing state-sponsored strategies to support them in their path to recovery and to obtain redress in a way that is compassionate, and humane is equally critical. In this regard, the development of methodologies that are creative and tailored to local contexts is of strategic importance to uphold the path towards healing and reconciliation.
During the workshop, participants explored the challenges and opportunities faced by victims and survivors of terrorism across Nigeria and identified pathways to advance their rights and increase the support provided to them.
