The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has revealed that more than 60,000 children are among the over 120,000 Boko Haram members who have surrendered to Nigerian authorities.
Musa made this disclosure during an interview with Arise News on Monday, highlighting the challenges in combating the insurgency and the disturbing tactics used by the terrorist group.
The defence chief explained that many of those associated with Boko Haram were not willing participants.
“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,” Musa stated.
According to Musa, the insurgents shifted their strategy after losing territorial strongholds. They began impregnating women to produce a new generation of fighters.
He described the process as systematic and alarming, noting that some women were impregnated just four months after childbirth.
“Children born into a system where violence, killing, and inhumane acts were normalised would not have empathy. That’s why we are happy that over 60,000 surrendered,” he added.
Musa emphasized the critical need for rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, particularly for children.
He expressed relief that many of these children are now in custody, preventing them from becoming future threats.
The defence chief noted that the surrendered individuals are being profiled in collaboration with the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies.
While those found culpable are prepared for trial, women, children, and the elderly are undergoing rehabilitation and care.
Reassuring Nigerians, Musa declared, “Nigeria is safe and will continue to be safe.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and prosecution to ensure lasting peace in the region.
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