Child insurgents in West Africa: The Boko Haram example In Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon

Abstract

One of the most shocking horrors of Boko Haram’s rampage in West Africa has been the insurgents’ ability to turn captured boys and girls into destroyers and killers. Since 2014, Boko Haram group has used hundreds of young boys and girls to terrorize north-east Nigeria and some of her northern neighbours such as Niger, Cameroon and Chad. A critical aspect of neglect in available materials on this subject is the inadequate presentation and documentation of child insurgents in Boko Haram insurgency. This study examines children’s involvement in Boko Haram insurgency. Specifically it discusses the implications of child insurgents on national development.