UNODC supports effective administration of justice

Nigeria has been struggling with the scourge of terrorism for over two decades. The phenomenon, which is mainly concentrated in the northeast of the country, has spread to other regions and has taken different forms and dimensions. Terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have carried out numerous attacks, including bombings, kidnappings and massacres. Their activities have displaced millions, killed thousands and caused significant socio-economic disruption. Although these groups pose a threat to national security, peace and development, the Nigerian government is actively working to bring perpetrators to justice and restore peace and stability. Through military operations, regional cooperation and legal actions such as the recent Kainji Terrorism Hearings, the government is making significant progress in the fight against terrorism, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.

Following the resumption of the fourth phase of the terrorism trials in a purpose-built court at Wawa Military Cantonment in Kainji, Niger State, led by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser. The hearings were presided over by five judges and their court officers flown in from the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja, 16 prosecutors from the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ) and 11 defence lawyers from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON). In addition, representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the National Commission on Human Rights and the Nigerian Bar Association were present to observe the proceedings.

In two days, the courts delivered sentences on 85 individuals who had pleaded guilty to charges relating to terrorist financing and other terrorism-related offences. 400 inmates from the Wawa Cantonment Detention Centre were transferred to Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) in Gombe State to participate in the Federal Government’s Deradicalization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programme.

Since 2012, UNODC has provided specialized technical assistance to Nigeria to address the unique challenges the country faces in the area of ​​terrorism-related criminal justice. UNODC provides in-depth legislative assistance and capacity building, including human rights-compliant investigative interviews, ethical leadership, and comprehensive strategies for the screening, prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals associated with Boko Haram. UNODC has also worked to highlight the gender dimensions of counter-terrorism, including sexual and gender-based violence, and the unique situation of children caught up in violent conflict. The implementation of UNODC’s work is guided by the UNODC Strategic Vision for Nigeria 2030.