Nigerian Defence Academy and UNICEF Strengthen Commitment to Protect Children in Armed Conflict

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting children affected by armed conflict in Nigeria. In a landmark conference on the Handover Protocol for children in conflict zones, key stakeholders, including UNICEF representatives, senior military officers, and cadets from the NDA’s 72 Regular Course, convened to discuss the initiative’s progress and future directions.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Ibrahim Sesay, Chief Child Protection Officer at UNICEF Abuja, commended the Nigerian military’s dedication to upholding international humanitarian laws, particularly in preventing the recruitment of child soldiers. He highlighted Nigeria’s notable advancements in implementing the Handover Protocol, which was established in September 2022 to ensure the humane treatment of children caught in conflict.

Since 2016, Nigeria has facilitated the release and reintegration of 3,271 children and 691 women with children from military detention. Following the signing of the 2022 Handover Protocol, an additional 896 children and 460 women with children have been assisted, underscoring the country’s commitment to child protection.

Major General John Ochai, Commandant of the NDA, emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in handling civilian cases, particularly those involving children. As part of the effort to institutionalize child protection, the NDA announced the integration of specialized training on children’s rights and welfare into its curriculum. This initiative aims to equip future military officers with the necessary knowledge to handle children in conflict situations in accordance with international best practices.

The conference concluded with a strengthened resolve to enhance collaboration between the Nigerian military and UNICEF. Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to fully implementing the Handover Protocol and expanding child protection training within military education programs, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children in conflict-affected regions.