Insurgency: Over 1,700 Children Freed Since 2017 From Armed Groups – UNICEF
Chioma Umeha Nearly 900 children, including 894 children, including 106 girls, were released from the ranks of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Maiduguri, north-east Nigeria, today, Friday, May 10, 2019 as part of its commitment to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children. The new release brings the total number of children released since 2017 to over 1,700, according to a statement signed by Oluwatosin Akingbulu, Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) made available to DAILY INDEPENDENT. The CJTF is a local militia – an armed group that helps the Nigerian security forces in the fight against insurgency in north-east Nigeria. It was formed in 2013, with the aim of protecting communities from attack. “Any commitment for children that is matched with action is a step in the right direction for the protection of children’s rights and must be recognised and encouraged,” said Mohamed Fall, Repr