The United Nations has identified Nigeria as one of the countries with some of the highest levels of child recruitment by armed groups, raising renewed concerns about the exploitation of minors in conflict zones.
The disclosure came during the commemoration of the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, observed annually in February. The UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Vanessa Frazier, described the recruitment and use of children in hostilities as one of the most pervasive and devastating violations in modern conflicts.
Frazier revealed that in 2024 alone, over 7,400 children were recruited or used by armed forces and armed groups, noting that the verified cases likely represent only a fraction of actual incidents. Over the past 30 years, more than 220,000 children have been separated from armed gangs.
Nigeria was listed alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Syria, and Myanmar as countries where grave violations against children remain widespread. Frazier stressed that behind every statistic is a child whose innocence has been interrupted, adding that her office currently monitors about 26 conflict situations globally, with Nigeria among those recording the highest number of violations.
Beyond documentation, the UN engages directly with armed actors to negotiate the release of children and ensure their safe return to civilian life. Once separated, UNICEF and partners provide psychosocial support, education, and reintegration assistance. However, reintegration often presents challenges, particularly for girls who may return with children born of captivity and face stigma within their communities.
Frazier emphasised that prevention and accountability are critical. Access to education reduces vulnerability to recruitment, while prosecuting warlords and armed group leaders for recruiting children sends a strong deterrent message. She highlighted that sustained investment in education, structured reintegration programmes, and robust accountability mechanisms remain essential to protecting children and fostering lasting peace in conflict-affected societies.
By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi, Abuja
