Security
THE Director-General of the Niger Child Rights Protection Agency, Ummul-Katum Mohammed, has expressed concern over the rising cases of child exploitation and other violations of children’s rights being reported across the state.
Mohammed disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Minna.
She said that the agency had been recording increasing cases of sexual abuse, child labour, child custody disputes and other forms of child rights violations.
“We receive reports of child-related abuses almost every day, placing increasing demands on the agency’s capacity.
“Cases of exploitation, sexual abuse, child labour and child custody disputes come in daily,” she said.
The director-general revealed that since assuming office in November 2025, the agency had handled 10 rape cases, with some already before the courts while others were still under investigation.
Mohammed, however, said the agency’s response had been constrained by operational challenges, particularly the lack of vehicles for field operations.
According to her, the agency’s mandate extends beyond office duties to community sensitisation, school outreaches and monitoring activities across the 25 local government areas of the state.
She said the lack of mobility had limited the agency’s ability to reach communities, schools and local government areas to educate children, parents and other stakeholders on child rights and protection.
Mohammed also identified the lack of a suitable office accommodation as a major challenge, noting that the agency was currently operating from a temporary office at the Women Multipurpose Hall in Minna.
She appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, politicians and other stakeholders to support the agency, stressing that the responsibility of protecting children should not be left to government alone.
The director-general said stronger collaboration and support would enhance the agency’s efforts to safeguard the rights and welfare of children across the state. (NAN)
A.I
July 3, 2026
Tags: Niger Child Rights Protection Agency Ummul-Katum Mohammed