NHRC tackles over 600 cases of human rights violations in 7 months in Borno
By Ahmed Ahmed
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Borno State has handled more than 600 cases of domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking and other human rights violations between January and July 2026.
The State Coordinator of the NHRC, Ms Jummai Mshelia, disclosed this during an interview with Newsmen on Thursday in Maiduguri
She said this underscoring the growing confidence of residents in the Commission’s services.
Mshelia noted that the cases reported to the Commission cut across a wide range of human rights concerns, including sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
“Unlawful detention, child abandonment, child maltreatment, rape, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, kidnapping, human trafficking and domestic violence,” she said.
According to her, domestic violence remains one of the most frequently reported violations, a development.
She attributed partly to increased awareness and public enlightenment campaigns carried out by the Commission across the state.
“Many victims previously considered domestic violence a private family matter and were reluctant to speak out.
“Today, more people are willing to report such cases because they trust the Commission and believe they can get justice,” she said.
Mshelia explained that the Commission has also recorded several cases involving child abuse, neglect and abandonment.
The State Coordinator stressed that poverty, displacement, inadequate parental care and domestic violence are major factors pushing children onto the streets.
She expressed concern over the growing number of vulnerable children engaged in street begging and other survival activities.
Mshelia urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for the welfare, education and emotional well-being of their children.
The NHRC coordinator revealed that many of the reported cases have been successfully resolved through mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
“While others requiring criminal investigation or prosecution were referred to relevant agencies, including the Police and the Ministry of Justice,” she said.
She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims and survivors of abuse, urging members of the public to report human rights violations promptly.
Mshelia also emphasised that all services provided by the NHRC remain free of charge and accessible to all residents across Borno State.
The Coordinator however expressed concern over the lack of operational vehicles, noting that it was affecting the Commission’s service delivery.
