The Invisible Scars: Why Nigeria’s Boko Haram Survivors Are Still Failing to Rebuild Their Lives
Nearly one in five girls forcibly married to Boko Haram fighters in northeast Nigeria are now facing a second wave of trauma – not from the extremist group, but from the systemic neglect of the authorities meant to protect them. Amnesty International’s recent findings reveal a chilling reality: escape from captivity is often just the beginning of a desperate struggle for survival, with survivors routinely denied the basic support needed to heal and reintegrate into society. This isn’t simply a failure of policy; it’s a looming humanitarian crisis with potentially destabilizing consequences for the region.
The Reintegration Gap: A Systemic Failure
Amnesty International’s February 2025 interviews with seven recently-escaped survivors, and one woman forcibly married as a child, paint a stark picture. None received tailored reintegration services – no counseling, no vocational training, no access to education. This lack of support isn’t accidental. It’s a systemic failure rooted in inadequate funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and a troubling lack of prioritization. The 2022 handover protocol between the Nigerian government and the UN, designed to ensure civilian authorities provide appropriate care, is routinely ignored, with survivors often left in the hands of security forces ill-equipped to address their complex needs.
The Cycle of Vulnerability: Forced Marriage and its Aftermath
The stories are heartbreaking. LC*, a 17-year-old forcibly married at seven or eight, endured remarriage after her husband’s death and the loss of her two children to hunger. AN*, 13, faced brutal floggings during her attempts to escape. These aren’t isolated incidents. The trauma of forced marriage, often coupled with sexual violence and psychological abuse, creates deep wounds that require specialized care. Without it, survivors are left vulnerable to re-traumatization, exploitation, and further cycles of poverty. The failure to identify and assist victims of trafficking, as highlighted by Amnesty International, exacerbates this vulnerability.
Beyond Immediate Needs: Addressing Long-Term Consequences
The immediate needs – shelter, food, medical care – are critical, but insufficient. True reintegration requires a holistic approach that addresses the long-term psychological, social, and economic consequences of Boko Haram’s brutality. This includes access to education, vocational training tailored to local market demands, and robust mental health services. Furthermore, programs must be designed with a gender-sensitive lens, recognizing the unique challenges faced by girls and women who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence. The Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Children’s Charter provide a clear legal framework for these obligations, yet implementation remains woefully inadequate.
The Rising Threat of Re-Recruitment and Radicalization
The lack of support isn’t just a humanitarian failure; it’s a security risk. Desperate and marginalized, some survivors may be vulnerable to re-recruitment by Boko Haram, or to radicalization through other extremist groups. Providing viable alternatives – education, employment, and a sense of belonging – is crucial to preventing this outcome. The recent escalation of Boko Haram attacks and abductions underscores the urgency of this situation. Ignoring the needs of survivors is effectively fueling the conflict.
The Role of President Tinubu and the ICC
The onus is now on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take decisive action. Amnesty International’s call for urgent support – including immediate access to medical care, education, and livelihood support – is not merely a plea for compassion; it’s a strategic imperative. Furthermore, the ongoing delay in the International Criminal Court’s investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Nigeria, as flagged by Amnesty International’s complaint in December 2024, must be addressed. Accountability for perpetrators is essential, but it must be coupled with comprehensive support for victims.
The situation demands a fundamental shift in approach. Nigeria must move beyond a reactive, security-focused response to a proactive, survivor-centered strategy. Investing in the rehabilitation and reintegration of these young women isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s an investment in the future stability and prosperity of northeast Nigeria. What steps will the Nigerian government take to ensure these survivors are truly empowered to rebuild their lives?
