Constructing Coalitions to Reduce Human Rights Abuse by Security Forces in Northern Nigeria: Baseline Study

Escalating violence in Northern Nigeria has necessitated the deployment of a heightened security presence across the region. While security forces have a mandate to maintain peace, some of their officers have been implicated in human rights abuse against civilians. These abusive practices have eroded public confidence in the security sector, alienated security forces from the citizens they are charged to protect, and thwarted the effectiveness of their mission. In 2013, SFCG-Nigeria recieved an 18 month grant from the US Department of State – Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) to carry out the project “Constructing Coalitions to Reduce Human Rights Abuse by Security Forces in Northern Nigeria” in Plateau and Bauchi state. In partnership with the Center for Advocacy, Justice and Rights (CAJR) and the Bauchi Human Rights Network (BAHRN), SFCG is working to strengthen engagement and advocacy processes to reduce human rights abuse by security forces in North East and North Central Nigeria. One of the first activities conducted was this baseline evaluation, aimed at: (1) identifying key actors in Bauchi state and map out key regional parties; (2) determining the present levels of interaction, engagement, and capacity existing among regional NHRC staff, relevant CSOs, and judicial actors; and (3) informing project design. The data collection was conducted in January-February 2014.