The surge in sexual violence within Nigeria’s Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps has become a significant national and international concern.
Global Rights, a reputable human rights advocacy organization, revealed these distressing findings following a comprehensive field investigation conducted in April 2025. The report describes the situation as a disturbing and escalating human rights crisis.
According to Global Rights, Nigeria currently hosts over 3 million internally displaced persons—families and individuals forced to abandon their homes due to insurgency, armed conflict, banditry, and climate-induced disasters. The report highlights that many camps across states such as Borno, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory have become dangerous hotspots for sexual abuse, largely driven by overcrowded and poorly managed shelters.
The organization further emphasizes that women and girls—already stripped of their homes and sources of livelihood—are now increasingly vulnerable to daily exploitation. Access to basic necessities like food, clean water, medicine, or shelter is often conditional upon sex, compounding their suffering.
Importantly, Global Rights notes that the perpetrators are frequently individuals entrusted with the care and protection of the survivors. These include camp officials, security personnel, aid workers, and even fellow displaced persons, making the exploitation even more tragic and complex.
In light of these findings, Global Rights is calling for an immediate, coordinated response from the Nigerian government, humanitarian agencies, and international partners. The organization urges thorough investigations, the prosecution of offenders, and the implementation of effective support systems for survivors to address this urgent human rights violation.
Written by: Joel Gwom
Alarming Rise in Sexual Violence in Nigeria’s IDP Camps Sparks Urgent Concern
