Stories from UNODC Nigeria

The National Institute for Security Studies and UNODC launch threat assessment of organized crime affecting Nigeria

Report finds that organized crime is one of the main drivers of insecurity in Nigeria, posing an acute threat to its people, economy and environment.

Abuja, September 26 th, 2023

 

Today, the National Institute of Security Studies and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime launched their Organized Crime in Nigeria: A Threat Assessment on the occasion of the annual conference of the Heads of Drugs Law Enforcement Agency Africa hosted this year by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Abuja.

 

The study aims to improve our collective understanding of illegal markets in Nigeria and the structures and modus operandi of criminal groups operating in and out of the country.

The report found organized crime to be[Read More]

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STRIVE Juvenile Nigeria empowers Youth Peace Champions and community members to engage in intergenerational dialogue for peace

Since the emergence of Boko Haram and its affiliates in Nigeria, millions of people have been displaced and thousands of vulnerable children exposed to recruitment and victimization. This amounts to a massive humanitarian and developmental crisis in the North East region, especially in Borno State, the epicenter of the insurgency. However, even while families have been torn apart, livelihoods put on hold and peace destabilized, we have seen the power of resilience and concerted efforts from stakeholders to restore peace and reignite hope. 

 

It is crucial that these efforts directly involve those who have been significantly affected by the ruinous activities of terrorist and violent extremist groups. Communities must be at the heart of designing interventions and driving positive change. A whole-of-society approach that prioritizes locally-built solutions is essential to peacebuilding.  

 

Between 28 and 31 August 2023, STRIVE Juvenile Nigeria - as part of its awareness raising campaign "#SeeTheChild" - brought together [Read More]

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“The tools I have acquired are not just about pixels and how to publish posts, but they symbolize a beacon of hope”: STRIVE Juvenile Nigeria works with YPCs to strengthen their capacity on social media, art & animation for peacebuilding

The growing use and popularity of social media is an opportunity for a unique and innovative approach to advocacy that empowers children and young people. In Nigeria, children and young individuals aged 0-30 make up 70% of the population. By integrating this demographic into advocacy platforms and encouraging meaningful participation, the world has an opportunity to turbocharge its efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in promoting peace and security.  

 

Social media is unfortunately also used by terrorist and violent extremist groups. for recruiting, spreading propaganda, and disseminating hate, misinformation and false promises. Children and young people are the ones most targeted online by these groups. However, social media can also be a key tool for peacebuilding. Empowering children and young people on the effective use of media, including technological tools, is crucial to creating an alternative narrative and promoting peace, especially in conflict-affected regions.  

 

In Nigeria, particularly in Borno State, children and young people are often caught in the crossfire[Read More]

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