UN highlights Nigeria’s high rate of child soldier recruitment
The United Nations has identified Nigeria as one of the top five countries with the highest rates of child recruitment into armed groups. Vanessa Frazier, the UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, described the recruitment and use of minors as a grave and widespread violation. Thousands of Nigerian children, particularly in the northeast, have suffered from abductions and forced recruitment, leaving deep scars on families and communities. The UN stresses that prevention, justice, and reintegration are crucial to protecting children and ensuring lasting peace.
What we know
- The UN reports that Nigeria is among the countries with the highest cases of child soldier recruitment.
- Vanessa Frazier stated that over 7,400 children were recruited or used by armed groups in 2024, based on verified cases.
- The highest levels of violations are recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, and Myanmar.
- Reintegration efforts for freed children are often complicated by stigma, especially for girls returning with children.
- The UN emphasises prevention, accountability, and education as essential to safeguarding children and building sustainable peace.
