Counsellors’ Knowledge of Child Abuse Indicators and Mandatory Reporting Obligations in Niger State Primary Schools

School counsellors occupy a unique position as trained adults regularly interacting with children, making their knowledge of child abuse indicators and reporting obligations a critical safeguarding competency. This study assessed counsellors' knowledge of child abuse indicators and mandatory reporting obligations in primary schools in Niger State, North Central Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with 70 school counsellors and guidance teachers from 25 primary schools in Minna, Kontagora, and Bida local government areas participating. The Child Abuse Knowledge and Reporting Obligations Scale (CAKROS) was administered. Data were analysed using means, frequencies, and one-way analysis of variance. Findings indicated that counsellors demonstrated moderate knowledge of physical abuse indicators but significantly lower awareness of emotional and sexual abuse signs. Knowledge of formal mandatory reporting obligations was markedly deficient, with fewer than 30 percent aware of the legal framework for child protection reporting in Nigeria. Urban school counsellors demonstrated higher knowledge scores than rural counterparts. Counsellors with postgraduate qualifications showed significantly better knowledge across all abuse categories. The study recommended mandatory child protection training for all school counsellors in Niger State, the development of clear institutional reporting protocols, and direct collaboration between schools and Niger State's Social Welfare Services. Keywords: child abuse, mandatory reporting, counsellor knowledge, primary schools, Niger State.