The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has disclosed that over 60,000 children are among the more than 120,000 Boko Haram members who have surrendered to Nigerian authorities. General Musa made this revelation during an interview with Arise News on Monday, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and restore peace in the country.
Speaking on the dynamics of the terrorist group, Musa emphasized that not all individuals associated with Boko Haram were active or willing participants, noting that many were conscripted against their will or enslaved. “What we realised is that not everyone that is part of it is a terrorist. Some of them were conscripted, some were forced, and some were enslaved,” he explained.
According to the CDS, the surrender of such a significant number of insurgents marks a turning point in the fight against terrorism. He revealed that among the 120,000 who surrendered, more than 60,000 are children, many of whom were born into the insurgency.
Musa further explained Boko Haram’s shift in recruitment tactics following the loss of its territorial strongholds. In the past, the group forcibly recruited adult men from captured communities, often under the threat of death. However, as their ability to control territories diminished, the group resorted to systematic impregnation of women within their ranks to create a new generation of fighters.
“They would capture communities and force men, especially adults, to join them under the threat of execution. But now that they no longer have territories, they resorted to impregnating women,” he said. “If a woman gives birth, four months later, they impregnate her again. They were trying to produce a new set of terrorists. To us, those new sets would have been most dangerous. Children born into a system where violence and inhumane acts were normalised would grow up without empathy.”
The CDS expressed relief that many of these children are now in custody and undergoing care and rehabilitation, which prevents them from becoming threats to society. He assured that surrendered insurgents are being profiled in collaboration with the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies. Those found culpable are being prepared for prosecution, while women, children, and the elderly are receiving support through deradicalisation and rehabilitation programs.
Musa reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring Nigeria remains safe and peaceful. “Nigeria is safe and will continue to be safe,” he affirmed, pledging sustained efforts in rehabilitation, deradicalisation, and the prosecution of those responsible for terrorist activities. and rehabilitation programs.Musa reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring Nigeria remains safe and peaceful. “Nigeria is safe and will continue to be safe,” he affirmed, pledging sustained efforts in rehabilitation, deradicalisation, and the prosecution of those responsible for terrorist activities.
