Nigeria’s Silent Crisis: The Growing Threat of Child Soldier Recruitment

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The recruitment of children into Boko Haram insurgent groups continues to represent a serious and escalating threat to Nigeria’s national security, particularly in the northern regions of the country.

Recently, a disturbing image surfaced on social media, showing underage children in military uniforms while in the custody of Boko Haram. This image prompted widespread concern among Nigerians, highlighting the increasingly violent and extreme activities of the group.

Over the years, various images and videos released by Boko Haram have depicted young recruits involved in violent operations, including executing captured military personnel. These visuals offer a stark reminder of how deeply children are being entangled in the group’s brutal campaign.

Just last week, troops detained a 15-year-old suspect linked to a deadly attack in Borno that led to the deaths of General Braimah and two soldiers. The teenager reportedly confessed to having participated in prior assaults in Benisheik and Ngamdu.

Security experts are warning that the ongoing recruitment of children not only fuels the insurgency but perpetuates a cycle of violence that could continue for generations if not urgently addressed.

Dr. Suleiman Ishaq Muhammad, a criminologist from the Department of Criminology and Social Studies at the University of Dutse, has raised alarms over the rising trend of child recruitment by bandits and insurgent groups throughout Nigeria.

He emphasized that this recruitment is a major factor exacerbating insecurity and creating long-lasting social harm.

Muhammad noted that child recruitment is becoming increasingly widespread, particularly in rural communities frequently targeted by bandits.

“When bandits raid communities, one of their key objectives is to find people, especially children, to recruit,” Muhammad.

He elaborated that children are often targeted because they are easier to manipulate.

“Children are more vulnerable. They lack understanding, and their ideology is still developing,” Muhammad explained. “They can be easily influenced by promises of food, protection, and other basic needs, making them prime targets for recruitment.”

According to him, armed groups also employ propaganda to appeal to young recruits, often presenting their actions as justified or even protective, making it more likely that children will join these groups.

Recruiting children, Muhammad explained, is not only cost-effective for bandits but also a strategic move.

“It’s easier to attack a village and take children along than to recruit from outside. Since they can’t recruit legally, they use violence to forcibly take those available,” he said.

Children are often assigned critical roles within these groups, as they attract less suspicion.

“A child carrying a weapon won’t raise any alarms. A child as young as 10 can move weapons or explosives without being questioned,” Muhammad continued.

The criminologist further highlighted that armed groups view children as long-term assets.

“They indoctrinate them and expose them to violence, making sure they grow within the system,” Muhammad explained. “This helps maintain the group’s operations over time since many of their members are young.”

He identified poverty and food insecurity as significant drivers of child recruitment.

“Poverty is widespread in many rural areas, even before attacks. When bandits offer food, children are easily persuaded to follow them,” Muhammad noted.

Lack of access to education also plays a key role.

“Many children aged 10 to 12 aren’t in school; they are working on farms or doing other tasks,” he said. “When these groups promise them an education or a better life, it becomes easy for them to be lured in.”

Family separation during attacks further compounds the situation.

“When communities are attacked, families are often split. Some children lose contact with their parents and see bandits as their new protectors,” Muhammad explained.

Other contributing factors include revenge and abduction.

“Some children are forced into these groups as a form of retaliation for losses suffered by the group. In cases of abduction, children are often brought in if they appear strong or useful,” he said.

Muhammad warned that the consequences of child recruitment are severe and far-reaching.

“These children suffer psychological trauma, and many face injury or death during operations. Others are exposed to sexual violence and other forms of abuse,” he said.

He stressed that joining armed groups also robs children of their futures.

“Once recruited, they lose their access to education and other opportunities,” Muhammad noted. “Even if they escape, they may face stigma, and their communities may reject them.”

He called for urgent interventions focused on reintegration and social support.

“These children are victims,” Muhammad concluded. “We need to establish proper reintegration systems to bring them back into society and offer them a second chance.”

In addition to his concerns about child recruitment, Muhammad pointed out that corruption and slot-based military recruitment are weakening Nigeria’s security apparatus.

He emphasized that recruitment based on political influence instead of merit harms the professionalism of the military.

“Child recruitment into the military is both a war crime and illegal under Nigerian law,” he said. “Weak verification systems and falsified age records are serious challenges.”

Dr. Muhammad warned that these issues damage the integrity of Nigeria’s armed forces, undermining national security.

Abdullahi Adamu Bokaji, a retired Army Captain and security analyst, also stressed that weak governance and widespread poverty are fueling the recruitment of children by armed groups in Northern Nigeria and across the Sahel region.

In an exclusive interview, Bokaji described the recruitment of child soldiers as both a humanitarian disaster and a grave security threat.

He noted that this crisis continues to worsen, especially in conflict-affected areas.

“Under international standards, a child soldier is anyone under 18 who is recruited by armed forces or non-state actors,” Bokaji explained. “Their roles extend beyond combat, including intelligence gathering, logistics, and even sexual exploitation.”

Bokaji noted that recruitment is often not voluntary, as many children are abducted, intimidated, or coerced into joining armed groups.

“Children are manipulated by armed groups taking advantage of weak governance, poverty, and the collapse of family structures,” he added.

He revealed that recruitment primarily targets children aged 13 to 17, though younger children are also affected.

“The desperation of armed groups is reflected in the ages of the recruits, especially in regions with little government presence,” Bokaji said.

Bokaji emphasized that solving the problem requires more than military action; it necessitates a comprehensive approach that addresses security and developmental challenges.

“We need stronger governance in conflict-prone areas to prevent armed groups from exploiting vulnerable populations,” he said, emphasizing the importance of social investments in education and youth empowerment to tackle the root causes of child recruitment.

Bokaji also highlighted the role of local communities in addressing the crisis.

“Traditional and religious leaders should be part of early warning and response systems. They understand the communities and can help identify risks before they escalate,” he said.

He stressed that effective disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs are essential for rehabilitating children affected by the conflict.

“These children need psychosocial support, education, and vocational training to help them rebuild their lives,” Bokaji concluded.

Failure to act, he warned, could have long-term implications for peace and stability in the region.

“The use of child soldiers perpetuates cycles of violence and weakens society,” he added. “Addressing this is crucial for lasting peace.”

Barrister Usman Yau, a legal practitioner, reiterated that child recruitment is illegal under Nigerian law, referencing the Child Rights Act of 2003.

Yau clarified that anyone under the age of 18 is considered a child and cannot be recruited into the armed forces.

“Section 34 of the Child Rights Act is clear: no one under 18 should be recruited into the military,” Yau said. “Even a 17-year-old is still a child, and the law prohibits their recruitment.”

UNICEF reported that Nigeria is among the top five countries with the highest rates of child soldier recruitment. In 2024, at least 1,120 children were recruited by armed groups in Nigeria’s North-East.

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