National strategies for the protection of children involved in terrorism and violent extremism cases in Nigeria

Abstract

The activities of the Islamist extremist group , Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awatiwal (JAS), commonly known as the Boko Haram , have grossly undermined Nigeria’s security and threatened human rights protection , especially the rights of children in the affected northeast states. The impact of the violence, which has lasted over a decade now, is felt more by children, as they are usually affected by both the actions of the terrorists and the counter terrorism actions of the government . Government’s counter terrorism action had reportedly led to the rescue and arrest of several children. With the arrest or rescue of children during counter terrorism operations, often comes the question of what to do with them. In the midst of this uncertainty, many of the arrested children have been, and are held in detention facilities pending a resolution to either free or put them through criminal justice processes. Where the decision is to subject such children to the criminal justice processes for their involvement in terrorism as perpetrators, victims, or witnesses, there are recommended guidelines that need to be followed to ensure their protection throughout the process. Using a doctrinal approach, this paper examines national strategies for the protection of children involved in terrorism and violent extremism cases in Nigeria. The paper finds that although measures exist for their protection, gaps and other challenges also exist that make practical implementation ineffective. Concluding that these challenges work to exacerbate the vulnerabilities of children, recommendations are proffered towards strengthening protection measures for children in Nigeria.