TheCable

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria has confirmed receiving 183 children from Nigeria Army in Maiduguri, Borno State.

According to a statement by the UN agency on Monday, the children were between the ages of seven and 18.

It said the children are free from any form of connection with Boko Haram

“These eight girls and 175 boys are first and foremost victims of the ongoing conflict and their release is an important step on their long road to recovery,” the statement quoted Mohamed Fall, UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, to have said.

“We will be working with the Borno state ministry of women affairs and social development and partners to provide the children with all the assistance they need.

“I also want to commend the action taken by the military and the authorities, it demonstrates a clear commitment to better protect children affected by the conflict.”

The 183 children are expected to receive adequate medical, psychological and social support before they are cleared of being released to their families and the society at large.

Rogers Nicholas, a major general and the theatre commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, had told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the army, released 183 children to UNICEF Nigeria for rehabilitation.