A new Invictus Africa report highlights gaps in justice systems across North-East Nigeria, with communities relying on informal structures and women largely excluded.
By Juliet Nworah
A new report by Invictus Africa has uncovered major gaps in transitional justice systems across conflict-affected communities in North-East Nigeria, including the absence of government-led mechanisms, exclusion of women from decision-making, and a lack of gender-based violence (GBV) cases in formal courts.
The research, presented by Gabriel Mobuogwu, Head of Data and Research at Invictus Africa, covering Gujba (Yobe), Michika (Adamawa), and Monguno (Borno), found that justice processes in these areas are largely community-driven with no formal state structure or backing.
“No government-backed transitional justice mechanism exists in the locations studied.”
Communities Fill the Justice Vacuum
According to the report, religious leaders, community heads, and survivors have taken responsibility for resolving disputes, focusing mainly on reconciliation and compensation.
However, the report reveals that these systems operate informally and lack institutional support.
Women Largely Excluded from Decisions
The study also found that although women participate in these processes, they are mostly beneficiaries rather than decision-makers.
“Where women participated as decision-makers, outcomes were better. However, in most cases, they are excluded,” Mobuogwu said.
The report stresses that meaningful inclusion of women is critical to addressing the needs of those most affected by conflict.
No GBV Cases Reach Formal Courts
In one of its most concerning findings, the report also revealed that no conflict-related GBV cases were found in courts, police stations, or prosecution offices in the studied areas, which covers;
• Community gatekeeping of cases
• Fear and intimidation of survivors
• Weak evidence and lack of trust in institutions
“You cannot expect survivors to come forward when perpetrators or their informants still live within the community,” Mobuogwu added.
FG Engages Grassroots Women, Plans Policy Reforms
In response, the Federal Government says it is working to integrate the voices of grassroots women into policymaking.
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, through her representative Maryam Abdullahi, said consultations have been held with women across Borno, Adamawa, and Bauchi states.
“We asked women what they want, so their input becomes part of policies affecting their livelihoods,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
She disclosed that a report containing recommendations for long-term, sustainable interventions has been submitted to the Presidency and is awaiting consideration.
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Push for Accountability, Collaboration with Invictus
The government also signalled plans to collaborate with Invictus Africa to strengthen justice and accountability systems.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said efforts are underway to ensure perpetrators are held accountable, with a focus on establishing precedent-setting cases.
“It is important to establish at least one case that sets a precedent for seamless litigation,” she noted.
Stakeholders Demand Survivor Support Fund
Meanwhile, stakeholders are calling for urgent support for survivors of conflict-related GBV.
Juliette Ogwu, Project Officer at the Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund, said there is a funding imbalance favoring ex-combatants over victims.
“There is dedicated support for perpetrators, but nothing specific for survivors,” she revealed.
She called for a dedicated government fund to support survivors’ recovery, reintegration, and economic stability.
Call for Holistic, Survivor-Centred Justice
Stakeholders also emphasised the need for:
• Mental health and psychosocial support
• Protection and security guarantees
• Access to education and healthcare
• Measures to prevent re-victimisation
Ogwu warned that without these, survivors risk continued hardship even after conflict ends. “Survivors must not be forgotten,” she maintained.
Growing Pressure on Government
The findings have intensified calls for the Nigerian government to take full responsibility for transitional justice, in line with international standards.
The however called for a structured, government-led and survivor-centred approach to rebuilding trust and ensuring lasting peace in the North-East.
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