The Nigeria Military has released 28 children associated with Boko Haram insurgents to United Nations and Borno state government respectively.
Theater Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Abba Dikko, said during the hand over in Maimalanri Cantonment in Maiduguri on Thursday that the Nigeria military will continue to abide by the rule of engagement.
He noted they have been investigated and cleared by joint teams of Operations Lafiya Dole, thus will be released for integration into society.
“Vulnerable people were taken away in the course of fighting against the insurgency, we try to abide by international best practice ensuring that those who are vulnerable and little children, teenagers are removed from unduly influences that further increase this menaced continue in a manner that its influences on the society.
“There is no doubt as time goes by it has been gradual process of winning the heart and the same time also it has been the gradual process of decimating the remnant of insurgency; we will continue in this regard but in other to gives impetus to our drive, we will continue to protect the children, continue to protect vulnerable people and communities that have been resettled
“We will continue to ensure that people go about their normal businesses, vocations also to ensure that those who want to go back to schools to do so. And we do hope in the nearer distance we will able to established good conditions for the return of normalcy to Borno.
“I, therefore, want to delightfully say that 28 children are being handed today, having gone through the necessary process of clearance and in abiding by our covenant with United Nations systems to keep such categories of people within the minimum period so that they can immediately be reintegrated into society.
Chief of UNICEF Nigeria Borno Field Office, Geoffrey Ijumba praised the military for the release.
“Two months ago, we met at this very point when 23 children were released to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to rehabilitate and reintegrate with their families and communities, he said.
Today, we meet again as we celebrate yet another milestone in our commitment to adhering to the international humanitarian law and ensuring the protection of the innocent children caught in this conflict.
“The Nigerian Military is today, yet again, demonstrating it’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of conflict-affected children of the northeast. We appreciate this commitment that gives hope to conflict-affected children. UNICEF will continue to work with military and the authorities to support the reintegration of all children released until there are no more children in protective custody.
westafricareporters.com