Author(s): James E. Archibong
1n 2009, Boko Haram, a sectarian, extremist group, opposed to Western education, and driven by violent ideology, launched an armed struggle against the federal government of Nigeria. Widespread killings, destruction of property and displacement of people, have characterized the ongoing conflict. It has also impacted negatively on children, as many have been killed, mistreated, orphaned, exploited and conscripted by insurgents and pro-government forces to fight. This paper probes the recruitment, use and roles of children in the conflict, which has conferred on them the fluid status of victims and perpetrators. It has been found that the insurgents and pro-government militia have recruited children below 15 years of age and engaged them in combat and non-combat duties; and those suspected of links to the insurgents have been detained in squalid conditions by the military. This has violated international humanitarian law (IHL) and internationally recognized rights of children in circumstances amounting to war crimes. The paper recommends immediate cessation of child conscription; release of those detained; and prosecution of persons responsible for the violations, preferably at the International Criminal Court (ICC).