The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has unveiled a quick reference guide to strengthen justice delivery for sexual assault victims in North-East Nigeria.

The UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Toure spoke at a one-day launch of the sexual and gender-based violence investigator aide-mémoire card on Thursday in Abuja.

The guide aims to strengthen investigation and prosecution of SGBV cases, especially those linked to terrorism in Borno State.

Mr Toure described the initiative as “a major step in advancing accountability and improving responses to sexual and gender-based violence.”

According to him, the guide supports frontline responders from reporting through investigation to case file preparation.

Mr Toure said the tool addressed urgent challenges in the North-East, where women and girls faced insurgency, displacement and widespread sexual violence.

He cited a recent UN report urging Nigeria to strengthen accountability by prosecuting offenders and ensuring comprehensive support for victims.

“The guide is a practical, field-ready tool outlining seven steps for safe, survivor-centred investigations. It also provides referral contacts across three states to ensure timely access to medical, legal and psychosocial services,” Mr Toure said.

He said the guide was developed with Nigerian stakeholders, supported by the United Nations Population Fund, reflecting strong national ownership.

Mr Toure said it would be deployed to the Nigerian Police Force, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the military, and medical practitioners.

He stressed the importance of forensic evidence, noting proper identification, collection and preservation were critical to securing convictions.

 “Without credible forensic evidence, cases can collapse before reaching the courtroom,” he said.

Mr Toure said UNODC was upgrading the Ngelewa Sexual Assault Referral Centre and training police and military personnel.

He added that forensic laboratory capacity was being strengthened at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja.

According to him, improved forensic capacity reflects commitment to dignity, accountability and the rule of law.

Mr Toure called for stronger institutional coordination and sustained efforts to place victims at the centre of interventions.

He reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in tackling sexual and gender-based violence.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court said the aide-mémoire would improve case handling and justice delivery.

Mr Egwuatu expressed optimism that it would enhance forensic capacity and prosecution of SGBV cases.

The senior project manager, Global Affairs Canada, Wilma Endamne, described the launch as a milestone in improving responses to SGBV.

She said the tool addresses critical gaps in frontline investigation of sexual assault cases.

“It is my hope that this tool will support survivor-centred, trauma-informed and rights-based investigations,” she said.

The project is funded by Global Affairs Canada.

(NAN)