Forced Pregnancy in the Boko Haram Armed Conflict: A Legal and Human Rights Appraisal

Abstract: Forced pregnancy has emerged as a systematic weapon in the Boko Haram armed conflict in northeastern Nigeria. Abducted women and girls from communities are subjected to repeated sexual violence, forced marriages, and coerced pregnancies intended to enforce compliance, indoctrinate children, and destabilize communities. This article provides a comprehensive legal and human rights appraisal of forced pregnancy in this context. Using a doctrinal methodology, it analyses international law, domestic Nigerian law, and comparative jurisprudence, situating Boko Haram’s conduct within the frameworks of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and gender-based violations of human rights. The study concludes that forced pregnancy constitutes serious international crimes, demanding enhanced legal accountability, reparations, and policy interventions. Keywords: forced pregnancy, Boko Haram, Nigeria, IHL, Rome Statute etc. Title: Forced Pregnancy in the Boko Haram Armed Conflict: A Legal and Human Rights Appraisal Author: Safiya Shettima Umar, Professor Salome K Kigbu, Dr Kaltum Abdullahi Talba, Kiramat Farayola Suleiman Lawal International Journal of Novel Research in Humanity and Social Sciences ISSN 2394-9694 Vol. 13, Issue 2, March 2026 - April 2026 Page No: 17-26 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 30-March-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19334424 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Forced%20Pregnancy%20in%20the%20Boko%20Haram%20Armed-30032026-2.pdf