Nigerian militia frees 900 children used in war against Boko Haram
The move brings the total number of children freed to more than 1,700, Unicef says
Abuja — A regional militia allied with Nigerian government forces freed almost 900 children it had used in the war against Islamist Boko Haram insurgents, on Friday, the UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) said. The move brought the total number of children freed to more than 1,700, a Unicef statement said. Nonstate armed groups embroiled in the decade-long conflict against Boko Haram recruited more than 3,500 children between 2013 and 2017 in Nigeria's northeast, according to Unicef. "[This] is a step in the right direction for the protection of children's rights and must be recognised and encouraged," Unicef Nigeria chief Mohamed Fall said in the statement, referring to Friday's release by the militia group, which works closely with the military to fight Boko Haram. "Children of northeast Nigeria have borne the brunt of this conflict. They have been used by armed groups in combatant and noncombatant roles and witnessed death, killing and violence." The militia group had committed in Septe...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.