By Peace Erewunmi

A Nigerian survivor has shared disturbing details of her experience while in captivity under armed bandits in parts of northwestern Nigeria, shedding light on the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis in the region.

The survivor recounted that she and other abducted women were subjected to repeated sexual violence during their time in captivity, describing conditions that she said were dehumanizing and traumatic.

According to her account, victims were held against their will and lived under constant fear, with limited access to basic necessities and no means of escape. She explained that the experience left deep physical and psychological scars on those who survived.

Her testimony adds to growing concerns over the use of sexual violence as a tool of intimidation and control by armed criminal groups operating in parts of Zamfara State and other areas in northwestern Nigeria.

Human rights observers have repeatedly warned that insecurity in the region has exposed women and girls to heightened risks of abduction, exploitation, and other forms of abuse, often with limited access to justice or medical support for survivors.

Security challenges in the region have also made it difficult for authorities to fully prevent such incidents or ensure swift rescue operations in all cases.

Advocacy groups continue to call for stronger protection of vulnerable communities, improved security presence in affected areas, and enhanced support systems for survivors of gender-based violence.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities have continued counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations in several states in the North-West aimed at curbing criminal activities and rescuing victims of abduction.