Civilian JTF frees 900 Nigerian child soldiers

Civilian JTF frees 900 Nigerian child soldiers

Civilian JTF frees 900 Nigerian child soldiers

A statement by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), a pro-government militia group fighting dreaded Boko Haram in parts of Northern Nigeria has said it has freed about a 900 Nigerian children soldiers who had been helping the army in the fight against Boko Haram, , the UN says.

The statement said that 106 girls were among the 894 children released by the pro-government Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) “as part of its commitment to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children”.

The CJTF supports the army in its fight against Boko Haram.

“Any commitment for children that is matched with action is a step in the right direction for the protection of children’s rights and must be recognised and encouraged,” said Mohamed Fall from the UN’s children’s agency, Unicef.

“Children of north-east Nigeria have borne the brunt of this conflict,” he added.

“They have been used by armed groups in combatant and non-combatant roles and witnessed death, killing and violence.”

The UN says that those freed will take part in reintegration programmes to help ease back into civilian life.