NHRC: 180 SGBV Cases Documented Among Displaced Persons in May/June 2026

By Toffa Momoh | Abuja

The National Human Rights Commission, (NHRC), has documented 180 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV, among forcibly displaced persons between May and June 2026, an increase from 174 cases recorded in March/April.

Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, disclosed this on Tuesday at the Commission’s headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, during the presentation of the NHRC’s 3rd bi-monthly dashboard on the rights of Forcibly Displaced Persons, FDPs, refugees, asylum seekers and returnees in 7 project states.

Dr. Ojukwu said while the overall number of FDPs reduced during the period, the drop was not due to improved security but because NHRC monitors could not access hard-to-reach communities because of insurgents, bandits and kidnappers.

According to Ojukwu, key findings from the dashboard include the following:
•⁠ ⁠Socio-economic rights: Most cases bordered on lack of access to food, shelter and livelihoods.
•⁠ ⁠Social cohesion: Rising tensions between displaced persons and host communities over land, resources and discrimination.
•⁠ ⁠Freedom of movement: Restrictions, mainly by suspected Boko Haram in Yobe State, limiting access to farms, schools and hospitals.
•⁠ ⁠Access to justice: Prolonged detention reduced following NHRC visits to detention facilities, including the release of a minor held by NSCDC in Yobe over a missing ram.
•⁠ ⁠Child protection: Cases of child labour, neglect and lack of parental care were recorded. In Adamawa, children were rescued from exploitative labour and forced marriage.
•⁠ ⁠Education: Financial constraints, lack of credentials and absence of schools remain major barriers, especially in Yobe State.

Dr. Ojukwu raised concern over the security situation, noting that insecurity in Geidam LGA, Yobe, linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP, has cut off humanitarian access to over 15,000 people. In Agatu LGA of Benue, fatalities and injuries were recorded in June attacks.

Despite the challenges, the NHRC recorded gains through community-based interventions. In Benue, GBV cases were mediated and resolved. In Cross River, land disputes involving refugees were settled and children re-enrolled in school. In Adamawa, birth registration increased.

The Executive Secretary said the Commission, with support from UNHCR, is also working with Sharia court judges in Yobe to prioritize GBV cases involving minors and survivors.

“This dashboard represents real human beings, families and children who have been uprooted from their homes and who look to this project for protection and a pathway to a dignified life,” Dr. Ojukwu said.

The NHRC said data collection and monitoring will continue across its 7 project states.