60,000 Surrendered Boko Haram Fighters Are Children — CDS

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, revealed that over 60,000 of the 120,000 Boko Haram members who have surrendered to the Nigerian military are children.

In an interview with Arise News TV on Monday, General Musa explained that the insurgents surrendered after the military successfully cut off their access to essential resources like food and funding.

“The 120,000 were not captured; they surrendered because we were able to deny them access to certain things—getting funds, getting food. We gave them the window that if you come, we will take you in,” he said.

The Defence Chief further elaborated that the surrendered individuals underwent a thorough profiling process in collaboration with state governors, the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). This profiling helped identify active members of the terrorist group, who were then separated from those who were forced or conscripted into the insurgency.

“Not everyone who was part of it was a terrorist. Some were conscripted, some forced, while others were enslaved. So, we were able to separate those ones,” General Musa stated.

He also highlighted the disturbing trend of Boko Haram militants using women to breed a new generation of fighters, noting that over 60,000 children have surrendered.

“In the past, they would capture communities and force adult men to join them. If you refused, they would behead you. But now, since they don’t have territory, they impregnate women to produce a new set of terrorists,” he explained.

General Musa expressed concern that children raised in such a violent environment could become desensitised to violence. “Those kids, growing up in a society where killing, beheading, and inhuman activities are rampant, will lack empathy and sympathy. That’s why we are happy these 60,000 children have surrendered,” he added.

He further explained that those involved in the insurgency are undergoing different processes depending on their roles. Key actors are undergoing deradicalisation and investigation, with those found guilty being prosecuted. Those cleared of wrongdoing are being sent to Operation Safe Haven in Gombe for deradicalisation and skill acquisition.

General Musa also discussed the root causes of terrorism, including poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and bad governance. He stressed the need for addressing these issues to prevent further radicalisation.

“We must address unemployment, hunger, and illiteracy. Good governance is critical—local governments and state governors must work well. We need schools and infrastructure to remove illiteracy,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of regional collaboration, particularly with Nigeria’s neighboring countries, to tackle insurgents operating across borders. He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region.

Additionally, General Musa accused unnamed individuals and groups of sabotaging efforts against terrorism, describing them as contributing to the problem.

“There are individuals making it seem like nothing is being done. Some are even discussing with the terrorists to continue their agenda of making Nigeria look unsafe,” he concluded.