The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to uphold child rights during internal security operations, saying protecting children is both a legal and operational duty.

UNICEF made the call during a lecture in Kaduna on Monday.

The lecture was part of the activities outlined by the NDA for Exercise Camp Rina for cadets of the short service course 49 (army) and the direct short service course 34 (NAF).

Willy Mamah, child protection specialist at UNICEF Kaduna field office, and Gerida Birukila, chief of the field office, UNICEF Kaduna, made the presentation.

It focused on the roles and responsibilities of military personnel in protecting children during internal security and counter-insurgency operations.

The presenters said modern conflicts disproportionately affected children through recruitment by armed groups, sexual violence, displacement, attacks on schools and lasting psychological trauma.

They noted that safeguarding children strengthened public trust, improved mission success and contributed to sustainable peace in conflict-affected communities.

The speakers urged cadets to understand and uphold child rights under Nigeria’s Child Rights Act, international humanitarian law and relevant United Nations conventions.

They emphasised that military personnel must never recruit or use children in operations, regardless of the circumstances.

“Children encountered during military operations should be treated primarily as victims requiring protection rather than as security threats,” they said.

Both presenters advised cadets to identify vulnerable children, ensure safe screening, avoid detaining them with adults and refer them to appropriate child protection agencies.

They also stressed the need to avoid occupying schools and health facilities during military operations to minimise risks to children.

They highlighted the importance of collaboration between the military, humanitarian organisations and relevant government agencies to strengthen child protection responses.

The presenters called for zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, warning that offenders face disciplinary and criminal sanctions.

They also encouraged commanders to enforce child protection standards, while troops observed, reported and treated children humanely during operations.

Using a practical scenario involving an armed 14-year-old, the presenters challenged cadets to apply child protection principles while maintaining operational effectiveness.

They recommended embedding child rights into military training institutions, conducting regular refresher courses, and strengthening cooperation among the military, UNICEF, and child protection partners.

“Protecting children is essential to winning public confidence, strengthening military legitimacy and securing Nigeria’s future,” they added.

The Nigerian Police Force and the State Security Service (SSS) also delivered presentations on their respective roles and responsibilities in internal security operations.

Other presenters include the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Nigerian Immigration Service.

(NAN)