Nigerian Military Does Not Recruit Underage Soldiers — Defence Minister Musa Declares

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has dismissed reports alleging that the Nigerian military recruits underage soldiers to fight terrorists and tackle insecurity across the country.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Musa made the clarification on Thursday while speaking to journalists after a National Security Council meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

The minister maintained that the Nigerian military operates as a professional institution and does not recruit underage individuals for military operations. He clarified that allegations concerning the use of children in armed activities were directed at terrorist groups rather than the country’s armed forces.

“We are all professionals. We are fully committed, and it’s also important for us to mention the issue of recent alleged recruitment of underage soldiers,” Musa said.

He explained that discussions surrounding the issue had been misinterpreted, stressing that the allegations concerned terrorists allegedly using underage children in their operations.

According to the minister, security agencies must continue working to dismantle terrorist and criminal groups and prevent them from operating freely across Nigeria.

Musa also disclosed that President Tinubu had directed security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and rescue all Nigerians who had been kidnapped or abducted in different parts of the country.

He assured Nigerians that the security forces were prepared to implement the directive and pursue those responsible for abductions and other violent crimes.

“The directive from the president is: all of us must go all out to fish out and rescue all those that have been abducted, kidnapped wherever they are. There shouldn’t be any camp of any terrorists or bandits anywhere in Nigeria,” he said.

The minister thanked the president for his support and reiterated the government’s commitment to improving security through coordinated efforts among the various security agencies.

Musa further revealed that Tinubu would soon inaugurate approximately 10 newly acquired aircraft and helicopters to strengthen aerial surveillance and support security operations.

He said the planned inauguration demonstrated the administration’s commitment to prioritising national security despite the country’s economic challenges.

The defence minister also disclosed that the government was considering extending the recent salary increase for members of the armed forces to police officers, other paramilitary personnel and pensioners.

According to him, the president was committed to ensuring that personnel across the security sector and retired workers were not left behind in efforts to improve welfare.

Musa urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible information about suspicious activities and reporting misconduct by security personnel.

He stressed that maintaining peace and protecting lives and property required cooperation between citizens and security agencies.

“Security is everybody’s responsibility. It’s not only for members of security forces. Everyone has a role to play,” the minister said.

He added that reports of wrongdoing, including misconduct by security personnel, should be brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities for investigation and necessary action.