The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Borno says it received more than 600 cases of domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking and other human rights violations between January and July 2026.
The NHRC State Coordinator, Jummai Mshelia, disclosed this in Maiduguri, saying the figure reflected growing public confidence in the commission’s services.
She said the reported cases included sexual and gender-based violence, unlawful detention, child abandonment, child maltreatment, rape, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, kidnapping, human trafficking and domestic violence.
According to Mshelia, domestic violence remains one of the most frequently reported cases, largely due to increased public awareness and sensitisation by the commission.
She said more victims now report abuse because they trust the commission to help them seek justice.
The coordinator also expressed concern over rising cases of child abuse, neglect and abandonment, attributing the trend to poverty, displacement, inadequate parental care and domestic violence.
She urged parents and guardians to prioritise the welfare, education and emotional well-being of their children.
Mshelia said many complaints had been resolved through mediation and alternative dispute resolution, while criminal cases were referred to the police and the Ministry of Justice for further action.
She reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims and urged residents to report human rights violations promptly, noting that NHRC services are free of charge.
Mshelia, however, identified the lack of operational vehicles as a major challenge affecting the commission’s service delivery.
