The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has revealed that approximately 60 percent of those affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East are youths, underscoring the urgent need for child-centred justice and protection frameworks in the region.
Cheikh Ousmane Toure, UNODC Country Director in Nigeria, made this known on Monday in Maiduguri during the 5th World Congress on Justice with Children. Themed “Advancing Child-Centred Justice: Preventing and Responding to Violence Affecting Children in Justice Systems,” the event focused on strengthening legal and social responses to the plight of children affected by conflict.
The congress, held in collaboration with the governments of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, was supported by the European Union and brought together key stakeholders to address the long-term impact of violence on children in conflict zones.
Toure highlighted that children in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States have borne the brunt of Boko Haram’s decade-long insurgency. Since 2009, thousands have been abducted, trafficked, or forcibly recruited into armed and criminal groups. Between 2017 and 2019 alone, at least 1,385 children were reportedly recruited by such groups.
“These figures are not just statistics,” Toure said. “Each one represents a child whose life, dignity, and future are at risk. About 60 percent of those affected are youths. Nigeria’s development depends on the protection and empowerment of its young population.”
In response, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State assured that his administration remains committed to prioritising the welfare and rights of children, especially in the justice system. Represented by the State Commissioner for Justice, Hauwa Mohammed, Zulum described the congress as timely, given the psychological, emotional, and physical toll the insurgency has had on children.
He reaffirmed that the state would not allow children to be recruited or used as child soldiers. According to him, the Ministries of Justice, Women’s Affairs, and Social Development will intensify efforts to ensure children’s rights are upheld and that they have access to justice, education, welfare, and protection from forced labour and conflict-related abuse.
The congress ended with a call for sustained action and collaborative efforts at all levels to protect vulnerable children and rebuild resilient systems that serve justice and promote healing.
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