Stories from UNODC Nigeria

Strengthening the criminal justice response to terrorism and violent extremism

Abuja, 21 October 2021- On 21 October the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, working in close partnership with the European Union Delegation and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), launched a User's Guide to the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 (TPA) as amended by the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 (TPAA) for use by law enforcement, security and judicial officials in their work to counter terrorism in Nigeria.

The materials assembled by UN and Nigerian experts for the User's Guide are designed to serve as a quick and practical reference work for investigators, prosecutors, public defenders and judges working in this complex field. The Guide sets out clearly the elements of each offence and the evidential standards that must be met to successfully secure a conviction under the provisions of the Act. It also explains in detail all of the ancillary powers set out in the Act.

Within the context of the EU-Nigeria-UNODC-CTED Partnership Project to Assist Nigeria to Strengthen Rule of Law-based Criminal Justice Responses to Terrorism and Violent Extremism, UNODC has been actively supporting the work of the Complex Case Group of the Federal Ministry of Justice to help prosecutors prepare cases against suspected members of Boko Haram currently held in custody that can be presented before the Federal High Court. It has also been working with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON) to ensure that these defendants have opportunity to mount a proper defence, and with the judges of the Federal High Court who will adjudicate these cases. Promoting further legal education is an important aspect of this support.

 

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UNODC Commends the Government of Nigeria, NIMASA, Nigerian Navy for sustained efforts in the fight against maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea and Nigeria

Lagos, 28 Sept 2021-The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has commended the Government of Nigeria, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy for their sustained efforts in the fight against maritime crime, during the opening of a four-day Inter-Agency Expert Consultative Dialogue Session in Lagos, on the implementation plan of Nigeria's draft National Maritime Strategy organized with the support of the Danish Government.

The Government of Nigeria had in 2015 inaugurated a committee made up of several maritime stakeholders within the public and private spheres to work on drafting a National Maritime Strategy. The vision of the National Maritime Strategy is to support Nigeria's economic prosperity, growth and development through the sustainable use of the nation's maritime resources in a safe and secure environment.[Read More]

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Bayelsa State Governor and UNODC launch Project to Support Community-based Crime Prevention Strategies in the Niger Delta Region

Yenagoa,  23 September 2021: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), together with the Bayelsa State Government and with the support of the Government of Germany organised an inception workshop to address crime and insecurity in the Niger Delta on 21 September 2021 at the Golden Tulip in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The inception meeting launched the consultative process for the development of a comprehensive community-based crime prevention strategy and action plans initially targeting select communities across the Niger Delta region. [Read More]

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