Child abandonment, domestic violence and other violations against vulnerable groups accounted for the bulk of the 3,019 complaints received by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Kano State between January and December 2025, the commission has said.
Shehu Abdullahi, Kano State Coordinator of the NHRC, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists in the state, noting that 2,276 of the reported cases have been successfully resolved, while 743 are still under investigation or mediation.
Abdullahi explained that complaints bordering on violations of child rights were the most prevalent, followed closely by cases of domestic violence, infringement on the right to life, and breaches of cultural, economic and social rights. Other complaints involved alleged abuses by law enforcement agencies, sexual and gender-based violence, and neglect of parental responsibilities.
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The figures reflect a recurring human rights challenge in Kano, where similar cases have been recorded in recent years. The state has witnessed periodic incidents of child abandonment, street begging involving minors, and domestic abuse, often linked to poverty, migration and weak family support systems. Rights groups have also previously raised concerns over excessive use of force by security agencies and the vulnerability of women and children to sexual violence.
Beyond complaints handling, Abdullahi said the commission carried out a statewide data collection exercise in 2025 to assess security concerns and the growing influx of migrants into Kano.
According to him, the exercise identified more than 2,000 asylum seekers, refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) from different countries and Nigerian states currently residing in Kano.
“The findings have helped us to better understand emerging human rights and security challenges, particularly within vulnerable communities,” he said.
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Kano, as a major commercial and transit hub in northern Nigeria, has continued to attract migrants fleeing conflict, economic hardship and environmental challenges from neighbouring states and countries, increasing pressure on social services and community safety structures.
Abdullahi reaffirmed the NHRC’s commitment to scaling up public awareness and sensitisation campaigns through media platforms, community outreaches, engagement with traditional rulers and town hall meetings. He said the goal was to strengthen security consciousness and promote respect for human rights at the grassroots.
He added that the commission would continue to work closely with the Ministry of Justice and other relevant agencies to ensure effective protection and promotion of human rights across Kano State.
