The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has recorded and handled 231 cases involving sexual and gender-based violence, domestic abuse and child protection concerns between January and September 2026.
The cases were documented by the command’s Gender Unit under the leadership of Commandant Augustine Padonu, according to a press release issued on October 26, 2026, and signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Samuel Olubanjo Opebiyi. The figures highlight the range of abuse, family disputes and child welfare concerns reported to the security agency during the nine-month period.
The figures show that January recorded the highest number of cases, with 35 incidents, followed by March and September, which recorded 32 cases each. February accounted for 29 cases, while July recorded 27.
June had 22 reported cases, followed by May with 21, April with 18 and August with 15.
Child placement disputes accounted for the largest category, with 78 cases recorded during the period. Child neglect followed with 27 cases, while child access denial accounted for 22 cases and child custody disputes recorded 20.
The command also documented 18 cases of domestic violence and 15 cases of physical assault. Other incidents included 13 rape cases, 10 child abduction cases and seven child abuse cases.
Three cases each were recorded for child defilement, sexual abuse and child sexual harassment. The report also listed incidents involving battery, cyberbullying, emotional assault, threats to life, abandonment and disputes over responsibility for pregnancy.
The cases reflect the range of issues handled by the command’s Gender Unit, from family-related disputes to allegations of violence, sexual abuse and neglect involving vulnerable persons.
Commandant Padonu reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting lives and property, safeguarding the rights of vulnerable people and ensuring that reports of abuse and violence receive appropriate attention.
He urged residents to report suspected cases of sexual violence, domestic abuse, child abuse, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation to the relevant authorities for investigation and necessary action.
The command also stressed the importance of cooperation among security agencies, government institutions, healthcare providers, social welfare authorities, civil society organisations and community leaders in preventing abuse and protecting victims.
According to the command, public awareness, early intervention and timely reporting remain important in identifying cases of abuse and ensuring that affected persons receive appropriate assistance.
Padonu called on parents, guardians, school authorities, community leaders and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected incidents of violence, neglect and exploitation.
He also advised members of the public to preserve relevant evidence when it is safe to do so and avoid actions that could expose victims or survivors to further harm.
The command further urged residents to treat survivors with dignity, respect their privacy and avoid victim-blaming, intimidation or the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information, particularly in cases involving children.
The Oyo State NSCDC Command said it would continue working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen community safety, protect vulnerable persons and ensure that cases of violence and exploitation are addressed in accordance with the law.
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