UNICEF: Army Released 223 Minors in Maiduguri

 

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that 223 children, including 10 girls, have been released from the Nigerian Army administrative custody and Maiduguri Maximum Security Prison after they were cleared of suspected ties with terrorist groups.

They were released to the safe custody of the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, UNICEF and Borno State Government in Maiduguri.

Since 2016, 3,559 people associated with armed groups have been released from administrative custody, including 1,743children (1,125 boys, 618 girls).

 In a statement released by UNICEF Communications Officer, Sam Kaalu, UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Mr. Peter Hawkins, said the children would be enrolled into a programme which is expected to reintegrate them into the society and towards creating a new life as well as generating a means of livelihood for them.

He said the children, who some had been presumed dead by their families, deserve to have a normal childhood, and require full care and support to re-enter the lives that were so brutally interrupted by the devastating conflict.

Revealing that UNICEF and the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development are looking forward to accepting more children, Hawkins added that at least 12,264 people formerly associated with armed groups, as well as vulnerable children in communities, have accessed such services since 2017.

He added that all have gone through the Bulumkutu Rehabilitation Centre in Maiduguri, and have since been reunited with their families or placed in the most appropriate alternative care, where they are accessing rehabilitation services and reintegration support in their communities.

"UNICEF is working closely with Nigerian state authorities to help with reintegration programmes for all children formerly associated with non-state armed groups and others affected by the ongoing conflict in the North-east area.

"Age and sex appropriate community-based reintegration interventions include an initial assessment of their well-being, psychosocial support, education, vocational training, informal apprenticeships, and opportunities to improve livelihoods,” he stated.