Beyond the Law to Socio-Legal Intervention: The Boko Haram Insurgency and the Nigerian Child

Abstract

Violence against children is a major threat to global development, as well as the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Protecting children from the ravages of violence is a state obligation, a legal duty and a concern for international peace and security. It is also a key humanitarian issue in conflict-affected areas. While Nigeria is a state party to several international law instruments that enshrine the protection of children, Nigerian children are subjected to violence, particularly in recent times, by the insurgency of Boko Haram. Since the advent of Boko Haram in Nigeria, the child is arguably the most vulnerable. From inhibition of the realisation of the right to education among other child rights to the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls, danger continues to loom large. Considering that children have been recruited as members of the sect carrying out attacks on the society, the challenge deepens. This paper seeks to look beyond the question of law and explores a socio-legal approach to curbing the Boko Haram insurgency. It will examine not only the general and specific legislative, institutional, policy and administrative measures for addressing the Boko Haram insurgency but also the activities of other militia groups. The paper will conclude by making recommendations for policy formulation and development of interventions for the prevention and mitigation of the effects of violence against the Nigerian child in order to stimulate further dialogue on child rights from a socio-legal perspective.