Human Rights Agenda Network

On March 27, 2026, HRAN had the privilege of participating in a consultative meeting between Civil Society Organizations and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, led by the Deputy Prosecutor, Mame Mandiaye Niang, in Abuja.

The engagement focused on accountability for serious crimes, the role of CSOs in documenting human rights violations, and the importance of strengthening domestic justice systems under the principle of complementarity.

Key discussions also highlighted the need for credible documentation, stronger collaboration, and sustained efforts to ensure justice for victims.

As civil society actors, we remain committed to promoting accountability, supporting victims, and contributing meaningfully to justice processes in Nigeria.

From Maiduguri to Calabar, Ondo to Plateau. Nigerians are facing killings, kidnappings, and brutal attacks every week.

𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚

𝟏. 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐢, 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞

The North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has launched an investigation into the alleged shooting of Abdulrahman Mustapha (also known as Abchin) on Polo Road,
Maiduguri. Social media reports claim Mustapha, reportedly unarmed, was returning from a Sallah visit when shot by troops. The Army stated initial findings suggest a possible encounter
with individuals linked to Boko Haram/ISWAP, but an impartial investigation is ongoing to determine compliance with operational rules and human rights standards.

2. 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝𝐲 – 𝐄𝐧𝐮𝐠𝐮 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞

Three people were killed in multiple vehicle crashes on the Ugwu Onyeama Hills stretch of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway. Several journalists traveling on assignment were injured. The
highway is a known high-risk area due to ongoing reconstruction and steep terrain, highlighting the need for urgent road safety interventions.

𝟑. 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 – 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐫, 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞

Officials of the Cross River State Urban Development Authority (CUDA) reportedly flogged street children at Mary Slessor Roundabout and transported them to Zoo Garden for further
mistreatment. Civil society groups, including Street Priests, called for urgent intervention. The state government has pledged to punish those responsible.

𝟒. 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐡 – 𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐣𝐚, 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞

A resident, Abdullahi, was arrested for publicly protesting water and electricity shortages during a Sallah visit by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago. He was detained for five days before being
granted bail. The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria cautioned against actions that curtail freedom of expression, underscoring ongoing concerns about civil liberties in the state.

𝟓. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐰𝐬 – 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐮 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞

Recent attacks in Angwan Rukuba and Gari Ya Waye communities in Jos North LGA left over 30 residents dead, prompting a 48-hour curfew. University of Jos postponed examinations for
staff and students residing in affected areas. Security agencies continue investigations, highlighting the urgent need for conflict resolution and protection of civilians.

𝟔. 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 – 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a coordinated ISWAP attack on a Forward Operating Base in Borno State, neutralizing 38 insurgents. Meanwhile, multiple su***de bombings in Maiduguri earlier in March killed 27 and injured 146, emphasizing ongoing threats to civilian safety.

𝟕. 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 𝐎𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞

Gunmen attacked a primary health centre in Oke Ijebu, Akure South LGA, abducting six workers and stealing valuables. The incident reflects continued insecurity and the vulnerability of essential service providers in Nigeria.

𝟖. 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 – 𝐊𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞

Over 2,000 residents of Oro-Ago, Oyate, and Ahun communities fled due to repeated bandit attacks, which included killings, abductions, and attacks on local security figures. Residents
continue to face displacement and disruption of livelihoods.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬:

● Ensure timely, transparent, and independent investigations into allegations of extra-
judicial killings and abuse.
● Strengthen road safety regulations, including improved signage, patrols, and
reconstruction oversight.
● Protect civilians in conflict-prone areas through proactive community policing,
intelligence sharing, and rapid response units.
● Uphold the right to free speech and protect protestors from arbitrary arrest.
● Implement effective disaster and conflict management protocols to prevent mass
displacement and communal violence.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬:

● Report human rights violations promptly to credible bodies.
● Advocate for accountability through media campaigns, petitions, and collaboration with NGOs.
● Participate in community safety initiatives, including neighborhood vigilance and early warning systems.
● Promote awareness of rights and civic responsibilities to reduce vulnerability during crises.

𝐇𝐑𝐀𝐍 reminds all Nigerians: Human rights protection is a shared responsibility between the government, security agencies, and citizens. Collective vigilance, accountability, and advocacy
are crucial to building a safer and more just society.

𝐇𝐑𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐎𝐳𝐨𝐫𝐨 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥, 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 (𝐇𝐑𝐀𝐍) strongly condemns the practices associated with the Ozoro Festival, particularly those that violate the dignity, safety, and fundamental rights of individuals. While cultural heritage and traditional celebrations are important aspects of community identity, they must never be used as a justification for inhumane treatment or the perpetuation of harm.

Reports and testimonies surrounding the Ozoro Festival raise serious concerns about acts that undermine human dignity, including degrading treatment and violations of personal freedom. Such practices are inconsistent with the principles enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.

HRAN emphasizes that culture is not static, it evolves, and harmful traditions must be reformed or abolished in line with universally accepted human rights standards. No cultural practice should strip individuals of their dignity, subject them to humiliation, or expose them to physical or psychological harm.

We call on community leaders, traditional institutions, and all relevant stakeholders to urgently review and put an end to all harmful aspects of the Ozoro Festival. In addition, HRAN calls on the government at all levels to take decisive action by investigating reported abuses, enforcing existing laws that protect human rights, and ensuring accountability for violations.

HRAN remains committed to advocating for the protection of human rights across all communities and will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure that no individual is subjected to inhumane or degrading treatment under the guise of tradition.

Furthermore, HRAN will collaborate with civil society organizations, media, and development partners to amplify awareness, drive public discourse, and build a collective movement against inhumane practices.

𝐇𝐑𝐀𝐍 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 & 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩

We recently attended a two-day workshop organized by 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐀’𝐬 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 (𝐄𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐈), supported by the EU CSO Strengthening Bridge Project, focused on scaling CSO self-regulation in Nigeria.

Self-regulation ensures Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria operate responsibly, protect stakeholders, and build public trust.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐒𝐎𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐨:

Adopt codes of ethics and governance frameworks

Commit to regular reporting and transparency

Participate in capacity-building workshops to enhance leadership

𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

Boosts credibility and public trust

Builds stronger networks and partnerships

Increases access to funding and support

Improves internal governance and decision-making

𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞: 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬, 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧

The Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN) joins the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day and reaffirming the urgent need to strengthen the rights, justice, and legal protection of women and girls in Nigeria.

Across the world and in Nigeria, millions of women and girls continue to face violence, discrimination, and abuse. Too often, survivors of r**e, domestic violence, and harassment encounter barriers to justice.

Cases are underreported, investigations are slow, and many perpetrators face little or no consequences. In workplaces and public spaces, harassment persists while many women fear
retaliation for speaking up.

Although laws exist to protect women, justice cannot be achieved unless those laws are effectively enforced. When survivors seek help
but receive little protection, it sends a message that the system is failing them. Impunity encourages further violations and undermines confidence in the rule of law.

Political representation is another critical issue. Women remain significantly underrepresented in Nigeria’s political institutions, including the National Assembly of Nigeria. As the country prepares for future electoral cycles, there is a pressing need to create more space for women in leadership and decision-making, ensuring that policies and laws reflect the realities and needs of Nigerian women.

𝐇𝐑𝐀𝐍 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫:

a. Stronger enforcement of laws against r**e, domestic violence, and sexual harassment, including harsher penalties for perpetrators.
Effective protection mechanisms for women who report abuse or
harassment.

b. Legal and policy reforms that guarantee equal inheritance and property rights for women.

c. Greater support for women’s participation in politics, including increased representation in the National Assembly and other public offices.

d. Stronger accountability within the justice system to ensure survivors are heard and perpetrators are held responsible.

On this International Women’s Day, HRAN emphasizes that rights must be backed by justice and protection. Nigerian women deserve
a society where their voices are heard, their safety is guaranteed, and their opportunities are not limited by discrimination.

Ensuring rights, justice, and legal protection for Nigerian women is essential for building a fair, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria.

𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝:
Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN)

The Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN) paid a courtesy visit to International IDEA on 5 March 2026 to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between both organizations, particularly in advancing civil society engagement, democratic governance, and human rights initiatives in Nigeria. Discussions highlighted the importance of partnerships in supporting civil society and promoting inclusive, accountable governance.

The visit marks an important step towards building a strong working relationship between Human Rights Agenda Network and International IDEA, as both organizations continue to work towards strengthening democratic values and protecting human rights in Nigeria. 🤝🌍

📢 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐲 (𝐃𝐑𝐋𝐒)

𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 is pleased to share this opportunity from our member organisation, 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞.

Are you a Nigerian lawyer passionate about digital rights, freedom of expression, civic space, or data protection?

The Digital Rights Litigation Surgery (DRLS) is a hands-on training designed to strengthen strategic litigation skills for digital rights cases in Nigeria with post-training pro bono engagement.

👩🏽‍⚖️ Open to legal practitioners called to the Nigerian Bar

🗓 Application closes: February 25, 2026

🔗 Apply here: https://bit.ly/Digicivic-DRLS

HRAN encourages interested lawyers to apply.

On 12th February, 2026, HRAN paid a courtesy visit to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to strengthen collaboration and deepen institutional partnership.

Our discussions focused on building a more structured and impact-driven working relationship that reflects current realities in Nigeria’s human rights landscape including rapid response mechanisms, early warning systems, joint programming, and capacity-building initiatives.

We are committed to working closely with the Commission to advance human rights protection, accountability, and access to justice across Nigeria.


Nigeria