The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Abba Dikko has handed over 28 children to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Borno state government for family reunification and integration. Presenting the children to Governor Kashim Shettima and Geoffrey Ijumba of UNICEF; at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Dikko said that the children were “cleared and profiled” in accordance to the UN conventions. He said the Army will continue to do the needful and ensure that children are removed from undue influences of Boko Haram insurgents. “This is a gradual process of also decimating insurgents from the theatre of war in the Northeast,” he said. According to him, there must be total resilience in the integration of children associated with armed groups in the region. While addressing the children yesterday, Geoffrey said that UNICEF is committed to the adherence to international humanitarian law. He said that of the 338 children released by the military this year, over 335 had been reunited with their families. He added that they are on the path towards commencing a better life. He therefore; urged government to identify alternative care arrangements for children that could not return home, because of difficulties in family tracing or protection concerns. Speaking on children’s health and psycho-social support, Geoffrey said: “UNICEF remains committed to work with Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (WASD). “We’ll partner to provide all children released with medical attention and psycho-social support, before the process of reuniting them with their families and reintegrating them into society begins. “We need to ensure that all children are home and that we invest in their health, protection and education now.” According to him, a sustainable tomorrow could not be achieved, without meeting the needs of children and young ones. He said these children are victims, who have unfortunately been caught up in this conflict. “We must support them to fulfil their hopes and aspirations,” he said, adding that their dreams are still valid. Shettima, who was represented by Dr. Hauwa Mai Musa, the Permanent Secretary of WASD said the children will be profiled, documented to initiate family tracing and reunification processes. The reunification process, according to her, will be supported by trained social workers. She said the children will be provided with food, shelter, healthcare and psychosocial support for 6-8 weeks.
