Nigeria abuse allegations may not bring accountability

Significance

While the incidence and negative impact of army violence against civilians is well-known, the recent reporting has uncovered evidence of the systematic nature of these crimes. These include mass forced abortions involving thousands of women and girls, mass targeted killings of children and widespread abuse of women.

Impacts

• The limited Nigerian press coverage means politicians will feel little domestic pressure to act.
• Evidence of systematic violence against civilians may impair government re-integration efforts for jihadist defectors.
• Jihadists may seek to use the allegations to boost recruitment.