Bauchi, Nigeria — The Council for Affirmative Action (COFAA), a trailblazing LGBTQI+-led human rights organization working in Northern Nigeria, is calling on national and international funders to join forces in tackling the rapidly growing crisis of cyberbullying, online harassment, and digital violence faced by sexual minorities in the region.
From targeted smear campaigns and doxxing to online blackmail and hate speech, sexual minorities—particularly LGBTQI+ youth and activists—are facing unprecedented levels of abuse on social media and messaging platforms. In a region where offline discrimination is already pervasive, the digital space has become yet another frontline in the battle for survival and dignity.
“What we are witnessing is a new wave of violence—faceless, relentless, and deeply harmful,” said Mbami Iliya Sabka, Executive Director of COFAA. “Young queer Nigerians are being hunted online simply for existing. We are calling on our partners, donors, and the global digital rights community to act now before more lives are shattered.”
COFAA’s recent digital safety assessments, conducted across Bauchi, Kebbi, and parts of Kaduna, show a disturbing rise in:
- Online hate campaigns targeting LGBTQI+ individuals with violent rhetoric;
- Non-consensual outing and blackmail through hacked private messages and photos;
- Digital isolation, where survivors are forced offline due to fear of harassment;
- Psychological distress leading to depression, withdrawal, and in extreme cases, self-harm.
In fact, despite this; there is currently no region-specific infrastructure to provide cyberbullying support services to queer youth in Northern Nigeria. Law enforcement responses are often inadequate—or in some cases, complicit.
In response, COFAA is urgently seeking funding partners to scale its “Digital Shield Initiative”, a community-led project to:
- Train LGBTQI+ youth and human rights defenders in digital safety and response;
- Establish peer-led cyberbullying helplines and reporting hubs;
- Provide psychosocial support and emergency referral services;
- Launch a regional awareness campaign to combat online stigma and promote ethical digital conduct.
“This is not just a tech issue—it’s a human rights crisis,” added Sabka. “We invite funders, allies, and organizations committed to digital justice and equality to stand with us. Together, we can ensure that the internet remains a tool for empowerment, not a weapon of hate.”
COFAA is open to partnerships and funding collaborations. Prospective donors and supporters are encouraged to reach out to explore co-designing impactful, community-rooted solutions that address the unique challenges of digital violence against sexual minorities in Northern Nigeria.
Mbami Iliya Sabka (He/Him/His)
Executive Director, Council for Affirmative Action (COFAA)
Fellow, Osumare Leadership Fellowship (OLF)
📧 cofaaction@gmail.com | 🌐 www.cofaa.org | 📞 +234 813 340 0884
The Council For Affirmative Action (COFAA) West Africa 