Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Christopher Musa, has revealed that more than 60,000 children are among over 120,000 Boko Haram members who have voluntarily surrendered. Musa made the disclosure during a televised interview on Monday, where he discussed the ongoing efforts to combat insurgency in Nigeria.
The CDS explained that not all individuals associated with Boko Haram were willing participants, emphasizing that many were forcibly conscripted or enslaved. “What we realised is that not everyone that is part of it is a terrorist. Some of them were conscripted, some of them were forced, some were enslaved,” he said.
Musa expressed concern over the strategy Boko Haram used to recruit new members after losing control of their territorial strongholds. He highlighted the group’s efforts to manipulate women, impregnating them to create a new generation of potential terrorists.
“In the past, they would capture communities and force men, especially adults, to join them, beheading those who refused. Now that they no longer have a territory, they decided to start impregnating the women. If a woman gave birth, they would impregnate her again within four months,” Musa explained.
He stressed the danger posed by children born into such a violent and brutal system, as they would have been conditioned to normalize violence and lack empathy. Musa expressed relief that these children, now in custody, would be given a chance at rehabilitation and care, preventing them from becoming a new wave of terrorists.
The surrendered members are being profiled in collaboration with security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS). Those found culpable will face investigation and prosecution, while women, children, and the elderly are receiving care and rehabilitation.
“We are committed to deradicalization, rehabilitation, and prosecution,” Musa stated, reiterating the government’s determination to ensure lasting peace and safety for Nigeria.
