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By Nefishetu Yakubu
Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has called for stronger legislative measures and coordinated action to combat child recruitment in armed conflicts across Nigeria.
Sulaiman made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a Policy Dialogue on Strategies Against Child Recruitment in Armed Conflicts in Nigeria, organised by the Legislative Centre for Security Analysis, in collaboration with the Exeter Centre for Research on Africa, University of Exeter.
Represented by the Director of Studies, Dr Ashimiyu Abiola, Sulaiman described the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts as one of the most disturbing manifestations of insecurity, noting that it threatened human rights, national development and peace building efforts.
According to him, “the exploitation of children in situations of armed conflict, remains one of the most troubling dimensions of insecurity in Nigeria and the wider region.”
“Children who should be in classrooms and safe communities are instead being drawn into cycles of violence that undermine their future,” he said.
He urged lawmakers to strengthen legal frameworks that criminalised child recruitment, improve oversight of security institutions, and support agencies responsible for child protection.
According to him, inclusive policies addressing poverty, exclusion, and other socio-economic factors driving child vulnerability are essential to reducing recruitment risks.
Sulaiman said the dialogue provided an opportunity to bridge gaps between research findings, policy development, and legislative action on child protection issues.
He identified community resilience as a key preventive strategy, stressing that stronger local institutions, quality education, and social safety nets could reduce children’s vulnerability.
The NILDS boss also advocated greater collaboration among security agencies, social services, civil society organisations, and international partners to address the problem comprehensively.
He further emphasised the need for rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, noting that children associated with armed groups should primarily be treated as victims.
Sulaiman expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome the challenge through political will, institutional capacity and sustained collaboration among relevant stakeholders.
“The challenge before us is significant, but it is not insurmountable. Together, we can safeguard the rights and future of our children,” he added.
He reaffirmed NILDS’ commitment to supporting the National Assembly and other stakeholders in developing legislative responses that promote security, protect vulnerable populations and strengthen democracy.
Sulaiman commended the organisers for the dialogue, describing the partnership as a model for evidence-based responses to security challenges.
In her presentation, Prof. Stacy Hynd, Co-director, Exeter Centre for Research on Africa, examined the experiences of children in armed conflicts and liberation struggles across Africa and other regions.
Hynd’s presentation highlighted the roles children played during wars, the hardships they endured, and the challenges they faced after conflicts ended.
Also, the representative of UNICEF Nigeria, Ms Mona Alka, in her goodwill message, stressed that preventing child recruitment required a holistic approach involving legislators, policymakers, communities, families and development partners.
“Children are recruited where vulnerability exists.
“Therefore, our response must address poverty, exclusion, displacement, family separation and weak protection systems,” Alka said.
Present at the event were; Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi, representative of Sen. Ireti Kingibe, security agencies, security experts, and Dr Hakeem Onapajo, who presented a paper on child recruitment by terrorist groups. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Kevin Okunzuwa
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