The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has described conflict-related sexual violence as a serious threat to Nigeria’s peace, security and sustainable development, warning that women and children are increasingly becoming targets of insecurity across the country.

Speaking on Friday to commemorate the 2026 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the minister said sexual violence linked to armed conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism and insecurity remains one of the most devastating consequences of conflict.

She noted that beyond the physical and psychological trauma suffered by victims, such crimes destroy families, deepen poverty, fuel displacement, hinder development and weaken national stability.

According to her, conflict-related sexual violence is not only a gross violation of human rights and international humanitarian law but also a direct threat to national security, social cohesion, human capital development and sustainable peace.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to protecting women, children and vulnerable groups under the Renewed Hope Agenda. She highlighted the implementation of the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RHSII-774) across all 774 local government areas to strengthen child protection systems, promote women’s economic empowerment, expand social protection and build resilient communities.

The minister expressed concern over the changing nature of insecurity, which now sees women and children deliberately targeted through school abductions, trafficking, forced marriages, sexual slavery, recruitment of children by armed groups and the exploitation of displaced women and girls.

She condemned the weaponisation of children for terrorism and criminal activities, describing such acts as unacceptable violations of humanity, while expressing confidence in security agencies to bring perpetrators to justice.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also highlighted government efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence, noting that the Child Rights Act has been domesticated in all 36 states, while the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act has been adopted in 35 states. She added that both laws are undergoing legislative review to address emerging threats such as technology-facilitated violence and online exploitation.

The minister disclosed that the ministry has strengthened advocacy against gender-based violence, expanded survivor support services, reinforced implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, and deepened collaboration with state governments, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and religious leaders.

She assured survivors of access to justice, healthcare, psychosocial support, rehabilitation and economic reintegration services, while stressing that prevention remains the most effective response to violence.

The minister called for stronger early warning systems, improved school safety measures, digital protection frameworks, family-strengthening initiatives and sustained public awareness campaigns to prevent violence before it occurs.

She further urged security agencies, the judiciary, healthcare institutions, schools, humanitarian organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders and development partners to intensify collaboration in protecting vulnerable populations and prosecuting offenders.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also appealed to Nollywood practitioners, musicians, broadcasters, comedians, digital content creators and social media influencers to use their platforms to promote positive values, protect children and amplify messages of peace and respect.

Calling for increased investment in Sexual Assault Referral Centres, shelters, psychosocial services, legal aid, forensic capacity, data systems and technology-driven reporting mechanisms, the minister stressed that eliminating conflict-related sexual violence is both a national security imperative and a moral responsibility.

She urged Nigerians to reject violence in all its forms, support survivors, challenge harmful social norms and contribute to building a safer and more inclusive society where women and children can live free from fear, violence and exploitation.