UNODC Slams Brutal Abuse of 1,385 Children in Terror Zones

UNODC Slams Brutal Abuse of 1,385 Children in Terror Zones

UNODC is raising the alarm over the heartbreaking suffering of Nigerian children trapped in violent conflict. The international body is demanding urgent action to protect more than a thousand young lives that have been damaged by terrorism and neglect.

In Maiduguri, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime made an emotional appeal during the fifth World Congress on Justice with Children. Its country representative, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, gave a voice to the children of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe—places where kids have lived in fear for over a decade.

According to Toure, many of these children were abducted, trafficked, and forced into armed groups. Some were even used by criminals as child soldiers. From 2017 to 2019 alone, at least 1,385 children were dragged into this violent world.

“These figures are just statistics,” Toure said. “Each one represents a child whose life, dignity, and future are at risk.”

He explained that about 60 percent of the children affected are still in their teenage years. Most of them have no access to schools, safe homes, or support systems. Many are missing, and others are too traumatized to speak.

UNODC believes that ignoring these children will only damage Nigeria’s future. Toure stressed that Nigeria can only move forward when its children are protected and empowered.

“Nigeria’s development depends on the protection and empowerment of its young population,” he said.

He warned that child protection cannot remain just a policy on paper. It must involve real action, money, people, and strong leadership. “The protection of children is not optional. The prevention demands more than rhetoric. It requires resources, commitment and accountability,” he said.

UNODC’s message at the congress was clear — Nigeria’s justice system must focus on children. Their needs must come first. Their voices must be heard. And their future must be secured.

Toure explained that the congress brought together child rights advocates, legal experts, youth leaders, and international groups. Their goal is to build a system that ends child violence and supports healing.

“Together, we can build a future where no child is left behind and where every child has the chance to contribute to Nigeria’s full development potential,” he said.

In a room filled with both hope and heartbreak, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, promised that his government would stand by the children. He vowed to protect them from being used by terrorist groups and to ensure their interests are included in all decisions that affect them.

“My administration is committed to prioritising their interests in the decision-making process,” he said.

The governor also emphasized that no child affected by war should end up as a fighter. He pledged to fight for their rehabilitation, safety, and rights.

For years, Nigeria’s northeast has suffered from Boko Haram attacks, kidnappings, and displacement. Children have become easy targets. They’ve lost their homes, their families, and often their childhoods. But UNODC says it’s not too late to give them back their future.

Every child deserves to live free from fear. Every child deserves education, love, and protection. UNODC is urging Nigeria—and the world—not to fail them now.