86 Surrendered Boko Haram Child Soldiers Handed Over To Borno Govt For Rehabilitation

The Nigerian Military has handed over 86 surrendered Boko Haram child soldiers to the government of Borno state for rehabilitation ahead of reintegration into the society.

The surrendered Boko Haram fighters were mainly child soldiers who had voluntarily surrendered to the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno State.

The acting Director, Defence Information,Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed the development to newsmen in a press statement on Thursday.

He noted that the child soldiers have been handed over to the Borno State Rehabilitation Centre, in Bulumkutu. Adding that, the child soldiers would undergo a comprehensive Child Care Programme sponsored and organized by United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund,UNICEF,in conjunction with Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

He also revealed that another arrangement was ongoing to transfer another set of 500 repentant insurgents to Operation Safe Corridor, for the De-radicalization, Rehabilitation and Re-integration, DRR programme.

His statement reads in part “In an effort to ensure that minors and other repentant Boko Haram fighters in the North East are given the necessary support and opportunity to embrace peace through the auspices of Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC), the outfit has handed over 86 Boko Haram child fighters who voluntarily surrendered to troops of Operation Lafiya Dole to the Borno State Rehabilitation Centre in Bulumkutu.

“Following the handover, the repentant child fighters would undergo comprehensive Child Care Programme sponsored and organized by United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in conjunction with Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

“The child fighters who are between ages 10 19 are part of over 1,370 Boko Haram fighters who have so far surrendered to troops of Operation Lafiya Dole. After a thorough profiling and screening, the minors were considered suitable for the 6 months De-radicalization, Rehabilitation and Re-integration (DRR) programme.

“Arrangement is also ongoing to transfer another set of 500 repentant insurgents to Operation Safe Corridor for DRR Programme.

“The handover ceremony was witnessed by the Borno State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo and UNICEF Official, Mr Clement Adams.

“The duo congratulated the surrenderers for laying down their arms and urged them to take advantage of the DRR programme to turn a new leaf and abandon the senseless struggle.”