Nigeria Identified as One of the Countries with High Rates of Child Soldier Recruitment by UN

Nigeria has been recognized as one of the nations with the highest rates of child recruitment into armed factions, according to a report by the United Nations.

This revelation comes as the world prepares to observe the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers on February 12, amidst UN concerns regarding the ongoing exploitation of children in global armed conflicts.

The UN's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Vanessa Frazier, labeled child recruitment as a prevalent and tragic violation faced by children in conflict situations. In a recent interview with UN News, Ms. Frazier highlighted that thousands of children are compelled into armed groups yearly, urging for enhanced protective measures.

“In 2024 alone, more than 7,400 children were verified to have been recruited or used by armed forces and groups. Over the past three decades, we have released more than 220,000 children from these armed organizations,” she remarked.

Nigeria appeared on a list with other countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Syria, and Myanmar, where violations against children are most notably rampant.

Nigeria’s Ongoing Conflict and Child Vulnerability

For over ten years, Nigeria has struggled against insurgency in its northern regions, where armed groups like Boko Haram and its offshoots have been implicated in the recruitment of children for combat roles, as informants, and in various other functions.

Even though military efforts have led to the weakening of some factions, humanitarian organizations continue to emphasize the vulnerability of children in areas impacted by conflict to recruitment and exploitation.

Ms. Frazier stressed that the statistics reflect real lives affected by violence, indicating that each figure signifies a child whose innocence has been stripped away. She noted that the reported incidents likely represent only a small portion of the actual occurrences.

Reintegration Challenges

Apart from documenting these violations, her office directly negotiates with combatants for the release and safe return of children.

“Once separated, UNICEF alongside our partners undertakes their reintegration, making sure they receive necessary psychological support, educational access, and the opportunity to regain their childhood,” she stated.

However, reintegration is a challenging process, especially for girls, who may face societal stigma upon returning, particularly those who come back with children.

“For cultural reasons, some girls cannot be completely reintegrated and are viewed as damaged,” she explained.

Prevention and Accountability

Ms. Frazier emphasized that the primary objective remains preventing child recruitment. She asserted that maintaining children's access to education, even during wartime, is crucial to reducing their vulnerability to recruitment.

She underscored that effective justice and accountability measures send a strong message to armed groups, making clear that recruiting children carries serious consequences.

Reflecting on the impact of visits to conflict areas, she recounted hearing about young girls impacted by violence, stating, “You come across a 13-year- old girl nurturing her baby, which truly illustrates how profoundly conflict interferes with childhood.”

“Children embody innocence and have not chosen sides in any conflict. However, their innocence is compromised in war contexts. It is essential that children be safeguarded through educational opportunities, successful reintegration, and accountability frameworks to foster lasting peace.”