According to a report by The Punch on Monday, March 9, 2026, residents of Borno State have expressed shock and concern after a disturbing video surfaced online showing young children dressed in military-style uniforms in a forest.
The video, which recently went viral, shows about 18 children wearing camouflage and standing in a line while celebrating in what appears to be a remote area. Many people who watched the clip fear the children may have been recruited or forced to work with armed groups.
Although the exact location has not been confirmed, some residents believe the language spoken by the children suggests they may be from communities around the Ngoshe area in Gwoza Local Government Area.
The video has triggered strong reactions online, with many Nigerians worried about the safety and future of children living in conflict-affected parts of the North-East.
One youth leader, Junaid Jibril Maiva, described the situation as very dangerous and warned that ignoring it could create bigger problems in the future.
Some people also suggested that the children seen in the video might actually be victims who were kidnapped or forced to join armed groups.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Borno, Zuwaira Gambo, said such children are often victims rather than willing fighters.
According to her, armed groups sometimes abduct children from homes, schools, or the streets and force them to wear uniforms.
She explained that the state government has carried out several programmes in the past to prevent children from being recruited by terrorists. These efforts included public awareness campaigns, school programmes, and rehabilitation for children rescued from the streets.
International organisations have also raised concerns about the issue. UNICEF previously reported that more than 1,100 children were recruited by armed groups in North-East Nigeria in 2024.
The viral video has renewed calls for stronger protection of children and urgent action to stop their involvement in armed conflict.See_More…