Chief of Defence Staff – Nigeria Rescued 60,000 Children From Boko Haram Indoctrination
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has revealed that the military, in partnership with the federal government and international organizations, has successfully rescued 60,000 children born to Boko Haram terrorists, shielding them from extremist indoctrination.
Speaking during a visit by a delegation from the Alliance of Sahel States—comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—Gen. Musa stressed the importance of a united front in combating terrorism across the Sahel region.
He disclosed that since 2023, over 120,000 terrorists and their families have surrendered, with children making up half of that number.
“These children were born into violence, and if left in that environment, they would grow into the next generation of extremists,” he warned.
To prevent this cycle, Nigeria established Safe Camps where surrendered terrorists and their families are provided with rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
The initiative, part of Operation Safe Corridor, seeks to remove children from violent influences while offering education and vocational training.
Gen. Musa emphasized that many Boko Haram fighters were either forced into insurgency or manipulated through fear, adding that Nigeria worked with state governments, religious leaders, and international partners to encourage voluntary surrender.
“We assured them they would not face immediate execution, as their leaders falsely claimed,” he noted.
Highlighting the broader security threat, Gen. Musa called on Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to strengthen border security and share intelligence to curb terrorist movement across the region. He stressed that terrorism thrives where governance is weak and justice is lacking, urging a focus on economic inclusion and education.
“When people feel marginalized, insurgents exploit their grievances. We must address poverty, illiteracy, and criminal networks fueling terrorism, such as illegal mining and kidnapping,” he added.
At the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja, Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to regional military cooperation. He cited the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which has been instrumental in dislodging Boko Haram strongholds across Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroon, and Benin Republic.
Aliyu Gebi, Coordinator of the Fusion Center for Dialogue and Peace Processes, noted that while military efforts had weakened Boko Haram, true peace required long-term, non-kinetic strategies.
“We have won the war against terrorism, but not the peace. To achieve lasting stability, regional collaboration and sustained counterterrorism efforts are essential,” he stated.
As Nigeria continues its fight against terrorism, its call for stronger Sahel-wide cooperation remains crucial in preventing extremist resurgence and ensuring lasting security in West Africa.
