COMMON ANALYSIS
Last update: March 2026
Being a civilian is a prerequisite in order to be able to benefit from protection under Article 15(c) QD/QR. The purpose of the provision is to protect only those who are not taking part in the conflict. This includes the potential application of Article 15(c) QD/QR to former combatants who have genuinely and permanently renounced armed activity.
Applications by Nigerian nationals falling under the following profiles should be examined carefully. Based on an individual assessment, such applicants may be found not to qualify as civilians under Article 15(c) QD/QR. For example:
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members of Boko Haram or other Islamists groups, such as Lakurawa;
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farmers or herders directly involved in the conflict;
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members of vigilante groups and other communal defence groups;
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national security forces, including the NAF and the NSCDC and members of state affiliated armed groups;
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members of armed groups of separatist movements, including the ESN and the BRGIE.
See also 2. Actors of persecution or serious harm.
Actively taking part in hostilities is not limited to openly carrying arms but could also include substantial logistical and/or administrative support to combatants.
Exclusion considerations may also apply. See 7. Exclusion.