The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) revealed on Wednesday the disturbing trend of young girls being exploited by terrorist groups for suicide missions and sexual slavery, contributing to unrest in various parts of the country.
In response, the United Nations has called for the establishment of a trust fund to support victims of terrorism and violent extremism, stressing that such a fund would help empower and assist those affected.
The announcement was made by Major-General Adamu Laka, the NCTC’s national coordinator, during the launch of a Technical Assistance Project in Abuja. He highlighted the importance of enacting model legislative provisions to promote and safeguard the rights and needs of terrorism victims.
“Our women, children, and youth have been disproportionately affected over the years. We have seen children abducted and forcibly trained to fight, young girls used in suicide missions and exploited as sex slaves, and survivors left with deep scars of trauma and stigmatisation.
“Tragically, children born out of forced marriages often face rejection and isolation. The case of the Chibok girls and other similar abductions serve as grim reminders of the enduring impact of terrorism on our society.
“These tragic events have shattered families and left entire communities grappling with fear, loss and a deep sense of insecurity.
“Beyond the immediate victims, the ripple effects are felt in the displacement of populations, the disruption of education, and the breakdown of social cohesion.
“Against this backdrop, today’s launch of the Model Legislative Provisions Project to Support the Needs and Protect the Rights of Victims and Survivors of Terrorism marks a significant step forward.
“The Model Legislative Provisions reflects the strength of our partnership with the UNOCT and UNODC and aligns with our common vision of building Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute terrorist offences while ensuring robust support for victims,” the senior military officer said.
The Director of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, Mauro Miedico, emphasized that the creation of the Victims Trust Fund, established under the Terrorist Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022, is essential for providing support to victims and equipping survivors with the necessary resources to reconstruct their lives.
Furthermore, the UN representative affirmed that the UN agency will collaborate with the Nigerian government to guarantee the empowerment of terrorism victims.
