UNODC initiative empowers Nigerian youth to resist extremist recruitment

In Nigeria's northeastern states, where extremist groups have kidnapped thousands of children and forced them to serve as suicide bombers and spies, a United Nations (UN) initiative is turning young people into guardians of peace.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) unveiled its "Protecting Children from Violence in Contexts of Insecurity, North-East Nigeria" project in April 2024, targeting the conflict-afflicted states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.

For more than a decade, children in these areas have endured immense trauma and insecurity caused by Nigerian al-Qaeda affiliate Ansaru, Boko Haram, "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) West Africa, and other armed groups.

Children have been forced to witness "the murder or abduction of family members, lashings, canings and amputations inflicted as punishment," according to a February 2024 UNODC case study on Nigeria.

Other violations they have witnessed include "the execution of captives by stoning, shooting and decapitation," it said.

"Al-Qaeda and ISIS affiliates have spread their deadly tentacles to West Africa's coastal countries, with violent attacks soaring by more than 250% in just two years," UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said January 21.

"At this rate, West Africa's future hangs in the balance," he told the UN Security Council.

Mohammed identified youth marginalization and soaring unemployment as key vulnerabilities that leave "an entire generation vulnerable to extremist groups."

Change agents

UNODC's response centers on empowering community leaders, youth and children as "agents of change."

In November, traditional rulers, women leaders, civil society representatives, media professionals and religious leaders from the three targeted Nigerian states gathered to share their experience of protecting children from violence.

"UNODC trainers focused on equipping the participants with additional tools to use when leading grassroots peacebuilding, dialogue and conflict transformation initiatives within their communities," according to a statement about the event.

The initiative formally launched a network of Youth Peace Champions (YPC) on August 26, designed to strengthen community resilience.

In collaboration with the Adamawa State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Development, UNODC offered training and mentorship on digital peacebuilding to 32 young people from the three states.

"The sessions on countering misinformation and ethical digital engagement opened my eyes to the power of digital space in promoting peace especially for children online," said Modu of Borno, who used an alias for security reasons.

"Joining the YPC network and completing the recent rigorous training has transformed my approach to ending violence against children and peacebuilding," said Ya Dija, also from Borno.

"The training has equipped me with practical skills, knowledge and a supportive community to make amplify my voice," she said.