GENDER BASELINE ASSESSMENT - IN STRENGTHENING EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE THREAT-MITIGATION CAPACITIES OF SECURITY SERVICE PROVIDERS IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA
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GENDER BASELINE ASSESSMENT
IN STRENGTHENING EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE THREAT-
MITIGATION CAPACITIES OF SECURITY SERVICE
PROVIDERS IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA
MAY 2021
Gender Baseline Assessment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3
1 INTRODUCTION 7
1.1 Background 7
1.2 Aim of the Study 7
2 DESCRIPTION OF CONTEXT AND RISKS 9
2.1 Federal Capital Territory - Abuja 12
2.2 North-East 14
3 CONCEPTUAL FRAME WORK 15
3.1 Insurgency 15
3.2 Explosive Ordnance 15
3.3 The Nigeria Police Force 16
3.4 Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) 23
3.5 Borno State 23
3.6 Adamawa State 24
3.7 Yobe State 26
4 METHODOLOGY AND JUSTIFICATION 27
4.1 Research Design 27
4.3 Sampling Design 27
4.4 Data Gathering Procedure 27
4.5 Data Gathering Instruments 27
4.6 Primary Sources 28
4.7 Secondary Sources 28
4.8 Statistical Treatment of Data 29
4.9 Limitation Of The Study 29
5. FINDINGS 30
5.1 National Level (Abuja) 30
5.2 Borno State - Findings 34
5.3 Adamawa State -Findings 41
5.4 Yobe State -Findings 45
6. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 51
6.1 RECOMMENDATIONS 51
6.2 CONCLUSION 53
FEDERAL LEVEL KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS 54
STATE LEVEL KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS 56
FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS 58
APPENDIXES 68
02
DISCLAIMER This Assessment Report is prepared by Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) which was engaged with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit of the National Police Force (NPF) and Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive unit of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The data and information have been collected between August 2020 and February 2021. The Report was written at the request of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to ensure gender sensitized projects are delivered to the national security service providers in Nigeria. The Report has been prepared for the purpose set out in the Terms of Reference entitled “Gender Baseline Assessment in strengthening explosive ordnance threat-mitigation capacities of security service providers in northeast Nigeria”. PWAN understands that UNMAS will provide a copy of this Report to NPF and NSCDC. UNMAS agrees that a copy of the Report can be provided to NPF and NSCDC and also be released publically on the basis that it is published for general information only and that UNMAS does not accept any duty, liability or responsibility to any person (other than PWAN) in relation to this Report. Readers of this Report should seek independent expert advice as this report was not prepared for them or for any other purpose than that detailed in the engagement terms with PWAN and cannot be relied upon other than for this. Information contained in the Report is current as at the date of the Report and may not reflect any event or circumstances which occur a er the date of the Report. All queries related to the content, or to any use of this report must be addressed to PWAN.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT The preparation of the Gender Baseline Assessment report towards strengthening Explosive Ordnance threat mitigation capacities of security service providers in North-East Nigeria has been a collaborative e ort. The Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) is a non-governmental organization aimed at promoting good governance, accountability and transparency by expanding opportunities for citizens’ engagement. As part of our Citizen Security program area, PWAN was commissioned by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to conduct this gender baseline assessment with financial support from the Government of Germany. The cooperation and contributions of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit of the Nigeria Police Force, and Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive (CBRNE) unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the FCT, Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states is highly appreciated. The findings from the state level were developed by Mr. Bashir Olasupo, Dr. Abubakar Muazu, Dr. Cli ord Gbeyonron who conducted field research and developed the reports for Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states respectively. Findings from the Federal level and supervision of the state level research was provided by the research team lead, DIG Peace Abdallah (Rtd). PWAN wishes to appreciate their commitment towards the development of this report. PWAN acknowledges the e orts of Gilles Delecourt, Programme Manager, UNMAS, Harshi Gunawardana, Programme and Communications O cer, UNMAS, and Giorgia Depaoli, UNMAS - UNOPS PSC Global Gender and Diversity Advisor in reviewing and producing a final version of the report. Finally, the e orts and commitment of PWAN sta led by the Citizens Security Program Manager, Ms. Tolu Ojeshina, should also be applauded. We also appreciate the guidance and leadership of the Executive Director of PWAN- 'Kemi Okenyodo.
Gender Baseline Assessment
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This gender baseline assessment was focused UNMAS has been coordinating mine action
on the departments of two security service operations since 2018. Nigeria has continued
providers - the Explosive Ordnance Disposal to experience casualties in 2018, 2019 and
(EOD) unit of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) 2020 from Non-State Armed Groups
and the Chemical Biological Radiological (NSAGs) widespread use of explosive devices,
Nuclear Explosive (CBRNE) unit of the Nigeria including landmines of an improvised nature in
Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). the BAY states located in the North-East.
The NPF is the leading and foremost Law Borno state has been most impacted with
E nfo rc e m e nt O rg a n i zat i o n i n N i g e r i a reports of victim-activated devices detonated
responsible for the prevention and detection of in 76% of the Local Government Areas
crime, maintaining public safety, law and order, (LGAs); Adamawa and Yobe states are also
protection of lives and property and the a ected as victim-activated devices have
enforcement of all laws and regulations with been detonated in 52% of the LGAs.
which they are directly charged.
This study employed a mixed method design.
The NSCDC is a paramilitary agency of the The research team engaged with relevant
Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria o cials from the EOD and CBRNE gender
with a mandate to provide measures against units, administrative units, and operations units
threat and any form of attack or disaster against at the national and state levels of the two
the nation and its citizenry. Their duties and security service providers. The findings from
responsibilities include securing the state and this study show that:
the people for peace, justice, freedom, fair play
and orderliness. Ÿ Deployment into the EOD and CBRNE is
voluntary and is open to both male and
The two units- EOD and CBRNE, share similar female o cers a er enlistment into the
responsibilities of identification, NPF and NSCDC.
recovery/evacuation and demolition of
Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs), detection and Ÿ At the national level, the policy requiring
identification of radioactive materials out of prospective candidates to have a science
regulatory control and physical supervision, based educational background is obsolete.
security and monitoring of movement, usage However, state commands still maintain
and storage of chemical, biological,
radiological, nuclear and explosive materials.
Findings of this study will support the United The NPF is the leading and foremost
Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) project Law Enforcement Organization in
plans as they partner with the two security Nigeria responsible for the
institutions on capacity building activities in
explosive ordnance threat mitigation. prevention and detection of crime,
maintaining public safety, law and
This study focused on the EOD unit of the NPF order, protection of lives and
and CBRNE unit of the NSCDC in Borno, property
Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states where
03
Gender Baseline Assessment
this requirement, and this may be a contributing to a change in perspective of
contributory factor to the limited number of female o cers; they have been able to
female o cers within the unit. recognize the unique roles that can be
played by women in Security Sector
Ÿ The NPF does not recruit married women, Institutions (SSIs) in explosive ordnance
however the NSCDC does. Certain levels of detection and disposal.
gender inequality in regulations, especially
in the Police, are yet to be expunged. These Ÿ Despite the fact that the Nigeria Police
include provisions that women are to Force has a gender policy and NSCDC is in
perform only tra c control and the process of completing its policy and
administrative duties related to women and that the country has a Women Peace and
children. Security (WPS) Action plan, gender
mainstreaming is yet to be accepted and
Ÿ At present, the EOD and CBRNE units do implemented by the leadership of the two
not have any female o cers within its institutions.
leadership.
Ÿ Cultural and religious norms have been Ÿ The CBRNE and EOD units have training
identified as impediments in some schools in the Federal Capital Territory
instances, to the recruitment of women into (FCT) and Lagos, respectively. These
the two institutions, especially within the schools receive support on capacity
Northern region of the country. The low building from local, regional, and
representation of women within the EOD international organizations including the
and CBRNE units is a direct consequence of United Mine Action Service (UNMAS).
this gender disparity at the stage of There is limited participation of female
recruitment. o cers within the training institutions due
to the limited number who volunteer to join
Ÿ Some female o cers are of the opinion that the unit. Female o cers within the unit are
the functions of the EOD unit are more of the junior cadre and are not within
suited to men due to the high-risk nature of management or any other related positions.
the unit. However, the prevalence of female
suicide bombers, and the fact that women
are the most a ected by explosions may be
Despite the fact that the Nigeria Police Force has a gender policy and
NSCDC is in the process of completing its policy and that the country has
a Women Peace and Security (WPS) Action plan, gender mainstreaming
is yet to be accepted and implemented by the leadership of the two
institutions.
04
Gender Baseline Assessment
Key recommendations from the study include the following:
Ÿ G e n d e r p a r i t y m u s t b e t a ke n i n t o policies should equally address gender
consideration during training exercises for sensitivity to include more female o cers at
the EOD and CBRNE units. This can be the management and decision-making
achieved by specifically requesting for levels of the NPF and NSCDC. The Federal
female o cers to participate in the training Ministry of Women A airs charged with
sessions. Specially designed sensitization ensuring compliance of Nigeria's adoption
and orientation courses targeting female of the UNSCR1325 should partner with
o cers from other operational units should UNMAS to promote NPF and NSCDC to
be carried out with the aim of providing formulate and adopt gender policies that
b a c k g ro u n d k n ow l e d g e , fu n c t i o n s , should deploy more female o cers as heads
relevance and importance of the EOD and of specialized operational departments
CBRNE units to encourage more volunteers such as the EOD and CBRNE respectively.
to join.
Ÿ Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) should
Ÿ Deployment to the EOD and CBRNE units is engage communities, traditional and
voluntary; however, inconsistencies on the religious leaders in particular, in the North-
requirement for a science-based East to support the need for women to
educational background at the national and participate in the Security Service Provider
state levels might pose a challenge for Sectors. These leaders should be educated
o cers without that background willing to on the key role of women in Peace and
join both units. The elimination of this Security given the large numbers of women
requirement should be enforced at the state and children who are victims and also
level, to ensure that all o cers are provided suicide bombers in the conflict a ected
the opportunity to participate in explosive areas in the BAY states.
ordnance disposal.
Ÿ The United Nations Mine Action Service
Ÿ Female o cers who are deployed to more (UNMAS) should engage with the EOD and
decision making and operational o ces CBRNE units on the need for gender parity
within the EOD and CBRNE, should be and inclusion of women in explosive
sensitized on the duties, functions, and ordnance response. Engagement should be
importance of the EOD and CBRNE units. carried out at the headquarters level with
The importance of the inclusion of female senior management of both agencies to
o cers within both units should promote institutionalization of reforms;
emphasized, especially considering the engagement and advocacy with o cers in
relevant number of suicide bombers and charge at the state level is also necessary to
victims that are women. ensure implementation of reforms.
Ÿ The two institutions need to adopt gender
policies to e ectively address gender
inequality issues contained in their
regulatory acts and orders. The gender
05
GENDER BASELINE ASSESSMENT IN STRENGTHENING EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE THREAT-MITIGATION CAPACITIES OF SECURITY SERVICE PROVIDERS IN NORTH- EAST NIGERIA
Gender Baseline Assessment
INTRODUCTION
Background
realize their rights and potential in their day-
The conflict in north-east Nigeria is in its tenth to-day operations and the factors that
year and continues to cause untold su ering for contribute to gender disparity and inequalities
millions of Nigerians, particularly women and between men and women.
children.
Over ³ , people have been killed in Borno, Aim of the Study
Adamawa and Yobe (known as the 'BAY
States') since the conflict started in ² ; This study is a gender baseline assessment of
almost half of them are civilians, countless security forces related to the EOD unit of the
women and girls have been abducted, and NPF and CBRNE unit of the NSCDC, with a
children have been dra ed as carriers of focus on Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states
Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (BAY states) and the Federal Capital Territory
(PBIED). (FCT), Abuja.
For instance, in ² ² , more than ¹ civilians were The main objective is to contribute to the
killed, and ³² were injured as a result of ongoing UNMAS training project plans to strengthen
military and non-state armed group (NSAG) Explosive Ordnance threat-mitigation
activities. The majority of the victims are males. capacities of security service providers in
In ² ¹ , civilians represented % of the victims North-East Nigeria.
of explosive ordnance incidents, including
PBIEDs and Vehicle-Borne Improvised The study examines the correlation between
Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). ¹ these factors with policy issues and cultures
that inhibit the e ectiveness of women in the
Women and girls are victims of sexual violence activities of the EOD and CBRNE units.
and assault from insurgents and they are le to
deal with devastating consequences such as The specific objectives are:
HIV infections, unintended pregnancies,
motherhood and other health-related Ÿ Contribute to UNMAS understanding of
complications and trauma. the context, and inform realignment of
project activities to transform gender
The United Nations Mine Action Service dynamics in the light of strengthening
(UNMAS) works to eliminate the threat posed explosive ordnance threat-mitigation
by mines, explosive remnants of war, and capacities of Security Service Providers
improvised explosive devices by coordinating (NPF and NSCDC) in North-East Nigeria
United Nations mine action, leading
operational responses at the country level, and
supporting the development of standards and
Over 36,000 people
policies. have been killed in Borno,
Adamawa and Yobe
This gender baseline assessment of the (known as the 'BAY
security service providers aims to determine
the gender gaps in terms of the extent to which
States') since the conflict
the female security service providers can started in 2009
07Gender Baseline Assessment
how to execute project activities on
Ÿ Examine the understanding of project capacity building to the benefit of all gender
stakeholders (NPF and NSCDC) on the groups while promoting the inclusion of
gender dynamics, risks and opportunities in female o cers and their empowerment.
the operation areas.
Ÿ Identify learning, documentation of good
practices, and contribution to broader Ÿ Examine the factors behind the low
advocacy on gender equality (Sustainable numbers of female o cers in the EOD unit
Development Goals 5) Recommend of the NPF and the CBRNE unit of the
measures and strategies for stakeholders on NSCDC.
08Gender Baseline Assessment
DESCRIPTION OF CONTEXT AND RISKS
Armed conflict prior to the Cold War era was Other peacebuilding initiatives and
seen as war between sovereign states, but movements employ essentialist definitions of
s i n c e t h e e n d o f t h e C o l d Wa r , t h e women, confining them to their roles as
phenomenon of armed conflict has mothers and caregivers, and thus denying them
transformed with the rise of non-state armed access to the broader agenda of peacebuilding
groups (NSAGs) against their own and conflict resolution.
government.
The patriarchal nature of Africa leaves its mark
The dynamics of conflicts have embraced a on Nigeria with paucity of legal frameworks for
new trend of using sophisticated weapons to inclusion of women in peacebuilding and
attack innocent civilians who cannot defend conflict resolution. Also, militarization of
themselves. peacebuilding processes is on the increase,
posing obstacles to implementing the Women,
Historically, violent clashes have been limited Peace and Security agenda.
to the use of machetes, bows and arrows,
catapult; however, the systematic annihilations This is compounded by low levels of literacy
adopted by the NSAG have led to severe among women which have resulted in them not
casualties among the vulnerable groups. k n ow i n g t h e i r r i g h t s , p o t e n t i a l s , a n d
opportunities. Postcolonial African culture has
The largely intra-state coloration of these not positioned women in places of authority
conflicts around the world has given a new role since men are considered as the head of the
to women to take part in peacebuilding both at household, community and religious circles.
the global, national and at the community
levels. This emerging role is closely knit to the This has resulted in relegating women to the
landmark document of United Nations Security background in the society, low levels of literacy
Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 rea rming among women have resulted in them not
the importance of women's participation and knowing their rights and opportunities.
involvement at all levels of the peace and
security agenda. Since the 1967 civil war; the country in 1967,
Nigeria has experienced one form of violent
Therefore, those that do take into account conflict to the other. The proliferation of small
issues of gender, overwhelmingly fail to arms was attributed to electoral injustice, and
address structural inequalities and power religious intolerance coupled with a high level
dynamics which are the foundation of gender of poverty and unemployment, key elements
discrimination. Many of these arguments, that are viewed as fuels for conflicts
especially those that have been brought into
mainstream discourse, are instrumentalist in However, of all the triggers, arms proliferation
their approach, seeing women as instrumental is believed to be responsible for Nigeria's
in bringing about sustainable peace, and violent clashes. The phenomenon not only
focusing narrowly on 'what women can do for encouraged rebel movements to raise arms
peace', neglecting the issue of what peace can against their states, but it also made
do for women. peacekeeping and humanitarian intervention
strenuous and even dangerous in the region.
09Gender Baseline Assessment
Criminality has negatively a ected economic (IEDs), rifles, grenades, and tanks. The
development and Foreign Direct Investment frequency and intensity of attacks and the
(FDI) as foreign investors find it unattractive to consequent fatalities increased dramatically
do business in Nigeria. a er 2010. The group expanded beyond the
North-East into other Nigerian states and
NSAG, namely Boko Haram - Islamic State internationally in 2011, with bombings.
West Africa Province (BH-ISWAP) faction,
and Boko Haram – Jama'atu Ahlus Sunna NSAG does not just pose an existing threat to
Lidda'Awati Wal-Jihad (BH-JAS) faction-- Nigeria, but it has disrupted governance and
continued to routinely carry-out attacks caused a complex humanitarian emergency
against civilians and clash with national around Lake Chad. Its strident messages
security forces for the control of territory. exacerbate intra-Muslim tensions and worsen
Muslim-Christian relations in the region.
A third group, Ba Koura, has recently appeared
and has been seen operating mostly in Di a The group is resilient and adaptive. In early
region of Niger. In September 2019, this group 2015, Nigerian and neighboring countries
pledged allegiance to BH-JAS. The NSAGs militaries dislodged the sect from North-East
attacks and increased militarization in the Nigerian towns it controlled; BH responded
region continue to have a devastating impact with a new wave of rural massacres and suicide
on women and girls. bombings, including bombings in Chad's capital
N'Djamena. This has led to the creation of the
In addition to NSAG's abduction of girls, their Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) by the
recruitment as suicide bombers, sex-workers Lake Chad Basin with Cameroon, Chad, Niger,
and forced laborers, NSAG's attacks are and Nigeria.
leading to an increased rate of women and girls
internally displaced, who are forced to seek NSAG has roots in North-East's religious
shelter in various Internally Displaced Persons landscape and in intellectual currents
(IDPs) camps across the nation. connecting North-East Nigeria to the Middle
East. Theologically, BH resembles other
The UN O ce for the Coordination of "Salafi-Jihadi" movements around the
Humanitarian A airs (UNOCHA) estimates world,although BH was also shaped by local
the number of persons internally displaced as a dynamics of preaching and politics.
result of the conflict with NSAG in the north-
east to be 1.9 million with 7.9 million people This external link changed the narratives of
a ected. A er more than ten years of conflict, humanitarian emergencies created by the
the humanitarian crisis in the BAY states activities of BH, evident in a surge in internal
remains one of the most severe in the world displacements and exodus of rural people to
today. The majority of the people in need are in other neighboring countries as refugees. The
Borno State, the epicenter of the crisis. One in activities have gone beyond the use of
four of the a ected population is under 5 years machetes, guns, burning down of houses to use
of age. of IEDs with its collateral damages.
NSAG shi ed from primarily employing
guerrilla tactics and proselytizing to using Like in any conflict, explosive munitions that did
bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices not function properly or were abandoned,
10Gender Baseline Assessment
known as Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) The NSAGs have been consistently associated
contaminate north-east Nigeria. Up to 10- with territorial control, forced recruitment,
20% of the fired explosive munitions have hostage-taking, and violence against women
malfunctioned. These incendiary devices and girls as well as men and boys. BH is
range from small arms ammunition and air- notorious for employing various tactics for
dropped bombs to include grenades, rockets, terrorizing communities.
mortars, artillery and tank shells.
The rocket attack against Maiduguri on 23rd In February 2014, 59 boys were killed at a
February 2019 illustrates this fact with one Federal Government College in Buni Yadi,
unexploded 122mm rocket landing in the Yobe State by BH, and girls were ordered to
vicinity of a primary school and another one leave school and get married. A few months
landing in Teachers' Village IDP Camp. later, in April 2014, over 200 schoolgirls were
abducted in Chibok, Borno State, with BH
There is a heightened risk to encounter ERW in insisting that the girl child's education is taboo.
newly or temporarily accessible areas. With a In February 2018, NSAG was also responsible
predominant agricultural sector, access to land for the abduction of 110 schoolgirls in Dapchi,
and waters is hampered while land farmers, Yobe State. Since 2013, at least 1,000 children
herders, fishermen, hunters, and traditional have been abducted by NSAG.
beekeepers are at risk.
Some NSAGs are also associated with
There are two predominant uses of IEDs that changing marriage practices and incentivizing
a ect civilians: early marriage by forcing the victims to either
marry one of the armed group members or be
Ÿ IEDs emplaced along roads, married out, since the victims are in their
Ÿ PBIED attacks (notable carriers are women, custody. In some communities, NSAGs have
girls and boys). eased the cost of marriage ceremonies by
sponsoring them and ordering the payment of
The majority of incidents reported are Victim dowry to the bride instead of her family,
Operated IED (VOIED), more precisely in the thereby incentivizing girls to marry early.
form of Pressure Plates. They meet the Reports document that families in NSAG
definition of a landmine and do not discriminate a ected areas arrange early marriages for their
between security forces, civilians, and daughters to reduce pressure on household
humanitarian-development actors. resources and in exchange for protection.
Since 2014, the Government of Nigeria and Between 2009 and 2017, the Armed Conflict
the international community have provided Location and Events Database (ACLED)
significant humanitarian assistance, with a reports 2,378 conflict events across Nigeria
focus on saving lives in the three states most with BH as an actor. During this period, the BAY
a ected by the conflict. In recent years (2016- States experienced the highest number of
2017), this has been accompanied by a conflict events associated with the NSAG with
mobilization of development partners, 1,678, 219, and 179 events, respectively. For
coordinated by the government, to support the instance, a total of 1,947 cases of recruitment
stabilization and recovery of conflict-a ected and use of children by armed groups were
areas, working in line with the humanitarian reported in 2018. Sexual and gender-based
actors. violence is pervasive, with 99% of reported
cases being against women and girls.
11Gender Baseline Assessment
Federal Capital Territory - Abuja Nigeria has had to grapple with ethno-religious
conflicts, insurgency and banditry that have led
to destructions of lives and property at one
Nigeria lies between latitude 40˚ and 140˚ point or the other.
north of the equator and longitudes 30˚ and Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria, located in
140˚ east of the Greenwich Meridian. The the center of the country within the FCT. The
country lies entirely within the tropical zone. It FCT is a microcosm of Nigeria in terms of the
occupies about 923 773 km2 (about 3% of ethnographic and demographic
Africa's landscape). The last census in Nigeria characteristics, all ethnic groups and religions
was in 2006 with a population of 140 million. are accommodated. As the city became the
Federal Capital, virtually all parastatals,
According to the United Nations data, the agencies and the private sector have their
Nigerian population by July 2020 is estimated headquarters in Abuja.
at 206,139,589. However, the exact size of the
population and its growth rate has long been a The city has been subjected to several
contentious issue because of their implications bombardments at various times. On the 01
for ethnic balance, electoral competition and October 2010, explosions near the Eagle
the allocation of federal revenue. Square, venue of the nation's Independence
Day celebrations, claimed 12 lives, leaving
The natural resources and the geo-strategic many injured. Again, on 31st December 2010,
location in West Africa make Nigeria a key an explosion at Mogadishu Cantonment
player within the continent and also globally. Mammy Market, Abuja, claimed about 10 lives.
The geographical location of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria is on the Gulf of Guinea in On the 16th of June 2011, the Nigeria Police
Western Africa, between Benin in the West Force headquarters was bombed by a
and Cameroon in the East. In the North are suspected suicide bomber. Three persons
Chad (NE) and Niger (NW). were killed, and many vehicles damaged. On
August 26, 2011, a suicide bomber drove into
Nigeria operates a Presidential system of the United Nations building in Abuja, killing 25
government and has 36 federating units and persons and injuring 60. On the 25th of June,
the Federal capital. Nigeria has six geo- 2014, a bomb attack on a busy shopping district
political zones, namely: North-west, North- killed at least 21 people and injured 52 more.
east, North-central, South-west, South-east
and South-South. There are two Houses of The legal framework for the Explosive Act in
Parliament- The House of Representatives and Nigeria was created in 1964 and the Explosive
the Senate which form the legislative arm of Regulations 1967 to guide the activities
government. surrounding explosive activities such as
purchase, and transportation, usage, among
The cultural, religious, and social heterogeneity others. The NPF is the only security agency
remain agents of diversity rather than unity. mentioned in the Act for enforcement
Many of the internal conflicts witnessed in the purposes with the Ministry of Mines and Power
country are a ermaths of the polarization and as supervising Ministry.
have remained the bane of Nigeria's tortuous
history of instability and underdevelopment The Federal Republic of Nigeria signed the
that has not known any détente. Convention on Cluster Munitions on 12 June
2009 but has not ratified the Convention. The
12Gender Baseline Assessment
process for ratification appears to be relatively With a relatively strong focus on recruitment
slow due to lack of prioritization. Moreover, and retention of women in the security sector
Nigeria voted in favor of a key UN General and in line with the 2008 National Gender
Assembly (UNGA) Resolution Promoting Policy, the NAP provided that "women should
Implementation and Universalization of the form at least 35% of the military and security
Convention in December 2018. forces in the country. The second National
Action Plan for the period of 2017-2020 was
This includes removing legislations and other launched by the Federal Ministry of Women
barriers for women's participation and also A airs and Social Development on the 9th of
providing technical and financial support to May 2017. This updated plan identified violent
women's organizations and leaders to address extremism and post-conflict and reintegration
the gender dimensions of armed conflict and issues.
enhance women's participation in peace
processes. In addition to the finalizing NAPs for the
implementation of UNSCR 1325, Nigeria has
In post-conflict societies, this support is critical ratified international treaties and conventions
as institutions are redefined, restructured or such as the Convention on the Elimination on
newly created and new laws and regulations All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
are developed. (CEDAW), the Optional Protocol to CEDAW
as well as the Protocol to the African Charter
The National Action Plan (NAP) under UNSCR on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of
1325 in Nigeria, which was launched in 2013 by Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol). The
the Federal Ministry of Women A airs, sought Federal Government of Nigeria also adopted a
to promote the participation and National Gender Policy in 2006.
representation of women in all peacekeeping,
peace negotiations, peacebuilding and post-
conflict activities as well as in the decision-
making processes.Gender Baseline Assessment
North-East
North-East region comprises six states, (out of a total population of 18 million) are
namely Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, estimated to have been a ected by the
Taraba, and Yobe. This region has been a ected conflict, with 8.7 million people in need of
by di erent conflicts over the last decade. humanitarian assistance.
The conflict in North-East Nigeria is primarily The most a ected states are the BAY states,
attributable to Jama'atu Ahlus Sunna and the most a ected groups are women,
Lidda'Awati Wal-Jihad also known as Boko children, and young persons. Boko Haram's
Haram, this group has been responsible for tactics have included multiple modes of
human rights violations across Nigeria, Chad, attack, including suicide bombings, seizure
Cameroon, and Niger. The violent and destruction of entire villages, forced
radicalization of the BH members and the displacement, abductions, sexual violence
resulting military operations has reportedly targeting women, and forced recruitment of
a ected nearly fi een million people since men. Although BH-held territory has reduced
2009. in size over the last few years, the group
continues to perpetrate consistent attacks in
T h i s c o n fl i c t h a s t r i g g e re d a n a c u t e North-Eastern states.
humanitarian crisis with forced displacement,
with devastating social and economic impacts
on the population, further deepening
underdevelopment and regional inequalities.
Fourteen million people across the six states
Fourteen million 8million+
people across the six people in need of
states are estimated to humanitarian
have been a ected by
assistance.
the conflict.
This conflict further deepened
underdevelopment and
regional inequalities.
14Gender Baseline Assessment
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Insurgency Explosive Ordnance
Insurgency is defined as an organized Conceptually, explosive ordnance is defined as
m o v e m e n t t h a t a i m s t o o v e r t h ro w a encompassing mine action's response to the
constituted government through subversive following munitions: mines, cluster munitions,
means and armed conflict. This definition unexploded ordnance, abandoned ordnance,
implies that insurgent groups employ booby traps, other devices (as defined by CCW
clandestine and unlawful means towards APII), and improvised explosive devices.
achieving an end, which could be political,
religious, social, or even ideological. This term is used by U.S. Army explosives safety
personnel to refer to all military munitions that
Insurgency, as defined above, becomes have been used, discarded, buried, or
violative of the constitution's criminal law and abandoned. The term encompasses the
the international treaty obligations of a nation materials, such as UXO, materials in soil from
in the following circumstance: when it partially exploded or decomposing ordnance
constitutes an attack on defenseless citizens that make the soil reactive and ignitable, and
and other property resulting in injuries, loss of munitions that have been discarded or buried. It
lives and properties as well as forced or massive also encompasses facilities, equipment, and
internal displacement of people out of their other materials with high enough
habitual places of residence. concentrations of explosives to present
explosive hazards.
According to Akani, the insurgency has led to
the death of tens of thousands of both civilians An IED is defined as a device placed or
and Nigeria's finest military o cers; it has fabricated in an improvised manner
occasioned a total strangulation of the incorporating explosive material, destructive,
economy as investors and employers of labour lethal, noxious, incendiary, pyrotechnic
are apprehensive; it has resulted in the wanton materials or chemicals designed to destroy,
destruction of lives and property as well as disfigure, distract or harass.
other adverse impacts.
EOD means therefers to detection,
identification, field evaluation, render safe,
recovery, and disposal of EO. EOD may be
undertaken: (a) as a routine part of mine
clearance operations, upon discovery of EO; (b)
to dispose of ERW discovered outside
hazardous areas (this may be a single item of
ERW or a larger number inside a specific area);
or (c) to dispose of EO which has become
hazardous by deterioration, damage or
attempted destruction.
EOD means the detection,
identification, evaluation, render safe,
recovery, and disposal of Explosive
Ordnance.
15Gender Baseline Assessment
The Nigeria Police Force
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is the leading Ÿ Vet and approve the registration of private
and foremost Law Enforcement Organization in detective schools and private investigative
Nigeria. The 1999 Constitution, as amended, in outfits.
Section 214(1) provides: The Nigerian Constitution provides: "The
members of the Nigeria Police Force shall have
"There shall be a Police Force for Nigeria which such powers and duties as may be conferred on
shall be styled the Nigeria Police Force and them by law.”
subject to the provisions of this section no other
Police Force shall be established for the By the above provisions, constitutional validity
federation or any part thereof". is given to such enactments as the Police Act
and other laws like the Criminal Code, Penal
Further to the above, Section 215(a) provides Code, Prevention of Crime Act, Criminal
for the appointment of the Inspector-General Procedure Act, Administration of Criminal
of Police (IGP) from the serving members of the Justice Act, Child Rights Act, Federal Highway
Force. Act, Electoral Act, Firearms Act, Liquor Laws,
Road Tra c Laws, Coroners Law, Explosive
The specific duties of the NPF are succinctly Act, and providing assistance during disaster
provided under Section 4 of the Nigeria Police among others which have all conferred
Act 2020 as follows: “The Police shall: enforcement powers on the Police Force.
Ÿ Prevent and detect crimes and protect the The list above is not exhaustive as there are still
rights and freedom of every person in other numerous Federal and State enactments
Nigeria as provided in the Constitution, the that have vested the police with the power of
African Charter on Human and People's enforcement.
Rights and any other law,
Ÿ Maintain public safety, law and order, The Inspector General of Police is appointed by
Ÿ Protect the lives and properties of all the President on the advice of the Nigeria
persons in Nigeria Police Council from among serving members of
Ÿ Enforce all laws and regulations without any t h e N i g e r i a P o l i c e Fo rc e w h i l e t h e
prejudice to the enabling Act of other Commissioner of Police is appointed for a state
security agencies, by the Police Service Commission (PSC)). The
Ÿ Discharge such duties within and outside Nigeria Police Council provides general
Nigeria as may be required of it under this supervision of the police and advises the
Act or any other law President on the appointment of an IGP.
Ÿ Collaborate with other agencies to take any
necessary action and provide the required The Council's composition includes the
assistance or support to persons in distress, President, State Governor, the head of the
including victims of road accidents, fire Police Service Commission, and the Inspector
disasters, earthquakes and floods. General of Police, among others.
Ÿ Facilitate the free passage and movement
on highways, roads and streets open to the There are Deputy Inspectors-General of Police
public; and (DIGs) to assist the IGP. Currently, seven (7)
Ÿ Adopt community partnership in the DIGs are administering 7 major Departments of
discharge of its responsibilities under this the Force. According to Section 3 of the Police
Act or under any other law; and Act, the Deputy Inspector General of Police is
the second in Command of the Force and shall
act on behalf of the Inspector General during
16Gender Baseline Assessment
his/her absence though this rank is not Force, proposing that "Women between 40
specially mentioned in the Constitution, it has and 50 years of age be employed as Police
legal backing, because the Police Act is a law Constable because they would be better able
made by the National Assembly in accordance than men to prevent prostitution and deal with
with the constitution. female criminals".
Female o cers, where necessary, are also The Force's recruitment process gives equal
eligible for these positions as long as they meet opportunity to both male and female o cers to
the criteria.,. Every other rank below the IG, be recruited into the NPF without
takes command orders from the IG in the discrimination.
performance of their lawful duties.
However, the Force Order (FO) No. 430 Sub 81
The Police presently have 17 Zonal Commands, (Administrative Instruction No. 23) provides,
headed by Assistant Inspectors General of among other things, that "a woman candidate
Police. Women are eligible for promotion to the for enlistment in the Police force shall be
ranks of AIG and DIG when a vacancy opens in unmarried". Men are exempted from the said
the o cer's zone of origin. restriction; therefore, at recruitment, a vast
number of eligible female candidates are
The Nigeria Police Force operates a vertical already disqualified by their marital status.
organizational structure that is basically
i nte n d e d to e n h a n c e d i s c i p l i n e . A s a The same educational qualifications are
regimented organization, the flow of authority required from male and female candidates
is from top to bottom, while the reporting seeking enlistment into the NPF. There are
process is from bottom to top. This three points of enlistment into the Force. These
organizational structure promotes internal are: (1) Constable, (2) Cadet Inspector, and (3)
control, improves monitoring and evaluation, Cadet Assistant Superintendent. The first two
and enhances the level of supervisory are junior and upper junior entry levels,
e ciency and accountability geared towards respectively, while the third is the lowest senior
enhancing discipline. o cer rank or cadre.
Each of the thirty-six states of the federation Candidates seeking enlistment into the Force
and the FCT is headed by the Commissioner of as Constables are expected to possess a
Police (CP) assisted by Deputy Commissioner School Certificate with five credits. Those
in charge of Finance and Administration (DFA), aspiring to be enlisted as Cadet Inspectors are
as second in command. Others are Deputy expected to possess a post-secondary
Commissioners of Police (DCPs) in charge of diploma (such as National Certificate of
Operations and State Criminal Intelligence and Education, Ordinary National Diploma, or
Investigations Department (SCIID). They are equivalents). Enlistment as Cadet Assistant
assisted by Assistant Commissioners of Police Superintendent requires a bachelor's degree or
( AC Ps ) i n th e De p a rtm e nts a n d Are a equivalent.
Commands at various State Commands.
However, in the light of lower literacy levels
Introduction of women into the NPF began in and lower enrolment at higher levels of
the 1940s when some Nigeria female leaders education by women, coupled with other
expressed interest in such reform in the Police prejudices, the rate of female recruitment is
Force. In 1944, a delegation of the political and inhibited. Also, in terms of age, the minimum
social section of the Women's Party advocated requirement for male candidates seeking
the recruitment of female Constables into the
17Gender Baseline Assessment
enlistment as a recruit constable is 17, while will be investigated (Section 124, Police Acts).
that of women seeking enlistment is 19. According to Section 87 of the Force Order, "A
woman police who wishes to marry is made to
The implication of this is that there is an implicit first apply in writing to the Commissioner of
assumption that the maturity of a 17-year-old Police requesting permission to marry and
male is equivalent to a 19-year-old female. giving the name, address and occupation of the
person she intends to marry, permission will be
Section 85 of the Force Order provides the granted for the marriage, provided that the
duties of a female Police O cer : the intended husband is of good character."
investigation of sexual o ences against
women and children; recording of statements
from female witnesses, female suspect and On the contrary, a newly recruited male o cer
from children, attendance when women or police is allowed to get married on completion
children are being interviewed by male police of the training. The conditions for marriage
o cers, the searching, escorting and guarding a ect women more than criteria stipulated for
of women prisoners in police Stations, and men.
escorting of women prisoners to/from police
stations, school crossing duties, crowd control, The contradictory and discriminatory aspect of
and where women and children are present. Force Order Subsection 88 does not favor
female o cers as it declares: that a married
Women police o cers recruited to the woman police o cer shall not be granted any
General Duties Branch of the Force may be special privileges by reasons of marriage and
employed some o ce duties, namely: clerical shall be subjected to posting as if she was
duties, telephone duties, o ce orderly duties unmarried.
to relieve male police o cers from these
duties. Furthermore, Section 126 of the Police Act
states that: "A married woman police o cer
The provisions on duties and deployment show who is pregnant may be granted maternity
discrimination against women as they are leave in accordance with the provisions of
treated di erently from men in terms of the general orders" while Section 127 of the Police
practical content of the Police Training School Act states that: "An unmarried woman police
curriculum. Specifically, women police o cers o cer who becomes pregnant shall be
are not trained in the handling of firearms. discharged from the Force and shall not be re-
Section 123 of the Police Regulations states enlisted except with the approval of the
that "A Woman Police O cer shall not be Inspector General." The gender imbalance in
called upon to drill underarms or to take part in NPF has attendant implications for women as
any baton or riot exercise." not many are found in the decision-making
bodies of the various formations in their
In essence, women are excluded from 'core
police duties' and consequently denied the
'honour', status, and career advancement A married woman police
associated with deployment to those duties.
Related to the discourse, before the marriage o cer who is pregnant may be
of a female police o cer, she must have served granted maternity leave in
in the police for three years, a er which she will accordance with the
apply for permission to marry, and the fiancé
provisions of general orders
18Gender Baseline Assessment
institution. s u p e ri nte n d e nts of Po l i ce ( D S P ) a n d
Contrary to the provisions of Section 86 of the Superintendents of Police (SP), Intermediate
Force Order which prohibits women from Command Course Examination for middle
drilling under arms, women now not only drill cadre o cers of the rank of Chief
under arms but also bear arms both for duty and Superintendent of Police (CSP), Senior
their personal protection. Besides, women Command Course for Assistant
p o l i c e n ow h e a d Z o n a l / S t a t e Po l i c e Commissioners of Police (ACP), Executive
Commands, Divisions and other Force Policy and Strategic Courses for
formations. Importantly NPF shows remarkable Commissioners of Police (CP). The completion
progress on female o cers' roles despite the of these courses and related examinations are
fact that regulations have not been amended crucial given to determine eligibility for
as yet. promotion to a higher rank irrespective of
gender.
The NPF has a gender unit currently headed by
the Gender Adviser to the Inspector General As of July 2010, the total number of the
of Police who is a Deputy Commissioner of Nigeria Police Force stood at 291,094, 87.6%
Police; the Gender Adviser coordinates a airs male Police o cers and 12.4% female Police
of the unit, and its various desks at the state o cers. Within the rank of Senior Police
command level. O cers (ASP II to IGP), the population is
(18,745), with a sex distribution of 95% male
Promotion scheme in NPF is based on o cers, and only 5% female senior o cers. For
availability of space, establishment, seniority, the Rank and File (Constables to Inspectors of
and the o cers passing the prescribed Police), the total population is 272,350
examination(s). Some of these examinations comprising 87.1% male junior o cers and
include Terminal Examinations at training 12.9% female junior o cers.
schools, Confirmation Examinations,
Promotion Course Examinations, Junior
Command Course Examination for Deputy
19Gender Baseline Assessment
The Nigeria Police Force
The NSCDC was first introduced in May 1967 broad-based information network monitoring
during the Nigerian Civil War within the then of movement of persons; vandalism of all types,
FCT of Lagos for the purpose of sensitization monitoring and supervision of private guard
and protection of the civil populace. It was then companies or any other duties assigned by the
known as Lagos Civil Defence Committee. It supervising Ministry of Interior.
later metamorphosed into today's NSCDC in
1970. Occasionally, the NSCDC is also engaged in
rescue operations, crisis management, and
On inception, the NSCDC intended to carry out complimentary security roles with security
so m e e d u c ati o n a l a n d e n l i g hte n m e nt outfits such as the State Security Service (SSS),
campaigns in and around the Federal Capital of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), NPF, the
Lagos to sensitize members of the civil Army and Immigration as indicated in the
populace on enemy attacks. Most Nigerians gazette or assigned by the government of
living in and around Lagos territory at the time Nigeria.
had little to zero knowledge about war and its
implications. A hierarchical structure of command and
control has been designed with the
Members of the Committee, conducted Commandant-General as the head.
awareness raising to the general public through
electronic and print media on how to handle The Attorney General of the Federation
situations such as air raids, bomb attacks, empowered the NSCDC to institute legal
identification of bombs and how to dive into proceedings against any person or persons
trenches during bomb blasts. In 1984, the suspected to have committed an o ence,
NSCDC was transformed into a national maintain a squad that bears firearms, among
security outfit. others, to strengthen the Corps in the discharge
of its statutory duties, in accordance with the
In 1988, a significant restructuring of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal
NSCDC led to the establishment of Republic of Nigeria.
Commands throughout the federation,
including Abuja, and the addition of special The NSCDC has six directorates, namely:
functions by the Federal Government. Directorate of Administration, Directorate of
Disaster Management , Directorate of
NSCDC is a paramilitary agency of the Intelligence and Investigation, Directorate of
Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Operations, Directorate of Technical Services,
with a mandate to provide measures against and Directorate of Critical Infrastructure and
threat and any form of attack or disaster against National Assets. The NSCDC also has eight
the nation and its citizenry. The NSCDC is zones.
statutorily empowered by Act No. 2 of 2003
and amended by Act 6 of 4th June 2007. Th e N S C D C ro l e s we re s p e c i fi e d a n d
demarcated from those of the police, the
Their duties and responsibilities include paramilitary agencies, and the Army, Navy, and
securing the state and the people for peace, the Air Force to prevent roles clashes and
justice, freedom, fair play, and orderliness: The duplications of duties and responsibilities.
principal focus of NSCDC is in the area of
20Gender Baseline Assessment
In terms of gender sensitivity, the NSCDC There are equal salary scales and emoluments
appointed a Gender Desk O cer in March for both male and female o cers are the same.
2020. The Peace and Conflict (Resolution)
under the Gender Unit of the NSCDC regularly NSCDC's promotions and appointments to the
engages with women organizations and ranks of Commandant/Assistant/Deputy
structures in the community as the need arises, Commandant General are based on shortlists
for advocacy and enlightenment. and oral/written interviews. At the time of this
study, two women have risen to the Rank of
This unit, in accordance with the Gender Desk Assistant Commandant General (ACG) in the
O cer at the federal level, will be replicated in NSCDC.
all Zonal and State Commands. She further
stated that the NSCDC gender policy was
being dra ed at the time of this study.
There are di erent uniforms for female
personnel, including pregnant women, for
every rank/level.
21Gender Baseline Assessment
Borno State
Geographical and Security Profile The Nigeria Police Force,
of Borno State Borno State Command
The area referred to as the North-East In 1930, the Nigeria Police Force was created
geopolitical zone was one of the states created without a ecting the existence and operations
in 1967 and was called North-Eastern State of di erent police formations in other regions.
with headquarters in Maiduguri. The North- Even with the attainment of independence on
Eastern state was later divided into Borno, 1st October 1960, Native Authority Police
Bauchi, and Gongola States in 1976. continued to exist, particularly in Western and
Northern Nigeria, with the Sheri system in the
The state shares borders with three of Nigeria's Eastern part.
Francophone neighbours, namely: The
Republics of Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Some Later the separate police organizations were
nationals of the four countries - Nigeria, brought under the central authority of the NPF.
Cameroon, Chad, and Niger - surround and rely The decision to merge the police under the
on Lake Chad for livelihoods. control of the NPF was announced in February
1968.
The receding Lake Chad has led to the rise of
criminal activities across the borders, alongside One of the measures taken to regulate the
trade in fish, beans, cattle, sheep, hides, and skin, police was the promulgation of the Police Act
pepper, tomatoes, and potash, among others. in 1943. This has been the primary legal
The long and porous borders and low presence instrument that defines the functions and
of government have created opportunities for responsibilities of the police. Although the
trans-border crime, including small arms and number of women in the police was negligible,
light weapons into Nigeria. This was first the Act specified the role of women police
occasioned by the instability in the Republic of o cers distinct from men in the Force Order.
Chad and lately the collapse of Libya.
Those roles were usually restricted to duties
The state has been the epicenter of the conflict related to women and children. Even those
between Boko Haram terrorists and the recruited to general duties were only to
Nigerian State. The terrorists keep exploiting perform 'clerical, telephone and o ce orderly
their knowledge of the terrain and ungoverned duties.
spaces that facilitate movement undetected
and launching surprise attacks on towns, ‘The general rules defining the functions of the
villages, and security, particularly, but not police are crime prevention, detection and
exclusively, military locations. Boko Haram has apprehension of o enders, preservation of law
proven to be adaptable and inventing various and order, protection of life and property and
tactics to continue to unleash violence, enforcement of all laws and regulations which
resulting in death and destruction; it resorts to they are directly charged, and performance of
IEDs, including the use of female suicide military duties outside Nigeria as may be
bombers to maim and kill civilians. required of them by the act or any other law.
22Gender Baseline Assessment
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence
Corps, Borno Comman
The Borno State Command of the NSCDC was military. Women have been active in the
established in 1996. The establishment of the operations of NSCDC but are not generally
Command bolstered the NSCDC's capacity to allowed to take part in assignments that are
respond to the threats posed by Boko Haram as considered to be risky for women, for example,
its terrorist activities. night duties, rioting, and crime scenes.
Thus, the Corps had its o cers trained in The socio-cultural terrain in Borno has not
weapons handling and participating in counter- allowed female o cers to actively participate
terrorism operations. The NSCDC o cers are in the security sector, unlike in other states of
appointed to the Theatre Command of the federation.
Operation Lafiya Dole, under the control of the
23Gender Baseline Assessment
Adamawa State
Geographical and Security Profile
of Adamawa State
Adamawa State population in 2020 is Although relatively new (established in 2015),
estimated to be about 4,771,005. The NSAG the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF)
operations, sustained and enhanced by the have had notable achievements, including the
proliferation and illicit flow of small arms and destruction of terrorist camps, the arrest or
light weapons within the area, have resulted in 'neutralization' of hundreds of terrorists, and the
the death of many and the displacement of destruction of IED-making factories and
others, including security personnel, law equipment.
enforcement o cers, and civilians, mostly
women and children. The MNJTF has recaptured 80% of the
territory that had once been under Boko
Although the initial response to counter the Haram's control. Those various e orts that seek
NSAGs by the Federal Government of Nigeria to mitigate the impact of IED are o en collated
was generally adjudged to be abysmally weak, under the broad heading of Counter-IED
the change in the strategic leadership of the (CIED). The arrangement has helped in
military institutions in 2015 seemed to turn the mitigating the e ects of IEDs in Adamawa
tide against the insurgent group. State and its environs.
For instance, since 2015, counter-insurgency
e orts have resulted in the recapture of 20 Nigeria Police Force,
Local Government Areas (LGAs) out of 27 in Adamawa State Command
Borno State, 12 out of 17 in Yobe State, while
the 7 LGAs out of 21 heavily a ected in According to an Open Society Institute report
Adamawa State have witnessed lesser attacks published in 2010, there are 12 Zonal
since 2016, but other displaced people have Commands. President Muhammadu Buhari
fled to IDP camps in Adamawa for safety . GCFR created an additional 5, each of which is
headed by an Assistant Inspector General
Another dangerous dimension to insecurity in (AIG) of Police. Zone 3 comprises Adamawa,
Adamawa State is the forceful abduction or G o m b e , a n d Ta r a b a S t a t e s w i t h i t s
kidnapping of women and girls to demand headquarters in Yola, Adamawa State.
ransom. Since 2018, kidnapping cases in the
State have been on the increase. Many people Several specialised units can be found within
have been kidnapped in Yola, the state capital, the NPF, such as the Border Patrol, Bombs
and the contiguous towns without much Disposal Squad, Ports Authority Police, and the
uneasiness because they are either not Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). NPF,
reported or under-reported. Adamawa State Command is one of the
Commands in every state of the federation.
While some have attributed this to part of the
Boko Haram terrorist insurgency, others have There are female o cers in the Command, but
argued that the increasing rate of kidnapping is the level of their involvement in risk-taking
a new wave of criminality being perpetrated by assignment is quite minimal due to religious and
other criminal groups.Adamawa State has cultural issues.
su ered from the use of IEDs by the insurgents
to attack the civilian population at one time or
the other.
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