“We must ensure community vigilance and survivor-centred care” – Toyin Saraki, International Women’s Day 2022

I welcome with profound relief the reported rescue and safe return of the Christian worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State, as well as the schoolgirls taken from Kebbi State. I commend the swiftly dedicated efforts of our national security services, working with their subnational counterparts and state government executives, in making these rescue and return outcomes possible.

As we give thanks for their freedom, my thoughts remain with each survivor. In the spirit of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, our response must now be truly survivor-centred. Their recovery must be supported with compassionate, sustained care, including access to psychosocial counselling and confidential medical screening, alongside community protection that guards against stigma and restores dignity.

I am deeply encouraged by the Inspector General of Police’s deployment to increase vigilance and presence in Eruku following the latest reported insecurity incident, a timely and heartening reminder that community vigilance remains essential to strengthening safety across our nation. Local early-warning systems, trusted reporting channels, and close collaboration among communities, traditional and faith leaders, civil society, and security agencies remain vital to preventing further attacks on schools, places of worship, and public spaces.

While we celebrate these returns, and continue to hope and advocate for the safe recovery of all who remain missing in other states, including those still unaccounted for in Niger State, we must ensure community vigilance and survivor-centred care.

May the #16DaysofActivism against Gender-Based Violence remind us of our shared responsibility to protect every Nigerian life, and to uphold the dignity, security and wellbeing of all, especially women, girls and the most vulnerable in our communities.