The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has recorded and addressed 231 cases involving sexual and gender-based violence, domestic violence, child abuse and other child protection concerns between January and September 2026.

The cases were documented through the command’s Gender Unit under the leadership of the State Commandant, Augustine Padonu.

The command said the figures underscored the need to strengthen the protection of vulnerable persons, particularly women and children, through public awareness, timely reporting and effective responses to abuse and violence.

A breakdown of the cases showed that January recorded the highest number, with 35, followed by March and September with 32 cases each. February recorded 29 cases, July 27, June 22, May 21, April 18 and August 15.

Child placement accounted for the highest number of cases, with 78, while child neglect recorded 27 cases. Child access denial accounted for 22 cases, child custody 20, domestic violence 18 and physical assault 15.

The command also documented 13 rape cases, 10 cases of child abduction, seven cases of child abuse, and three cases each of child defilement, sexual abuse and child sexual harassment.

Other reported concerns included cyberbullying, battery, emotional assault, threats to life, abandonment, denial of responsibility for pregnancy and child-related disputes.

Speaking on the development, Padonu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, upholding the rights of vulnerable persons and responding professionally to reports of abuse and violence.

He urged members of the public to report suspected cases of sexual violence, domestic abuse, child abuse, trafficking and other forms of exploitation to the appropriate authorities.

The commandant also emphasised the need for collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, healthcare providers, social welfare authorities, civil society organisations and community leaders to address factors that expose vulnerable persons to violence and exploitation.

He called for sustained public enlightenment, early intervention and responsible reporting, stressing that protecting children and other vulnerable persons required collective responsibility.

Padonu also urged parents, guardians, school authorities, community leaders and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of abuse, exploitation, neglect and violence.

He called on members of the public to preserve relevant evidence where it was safe to do so and avoid actions that could expose victims or survivors to further harm.

The commandant also stressed the importance of treating survivors with dignity, maintaining confidentiality and avoiding victim-blaming, intimidation or the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information, particularly in cases involving children.

The NSCDC said it remained committed to working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen community safety, protect vulnerable persons and ensure that reports of violence, abuse and exploitation were addressed in accordance with the law.