Chadian Army Reportedly Rescues 43 Boko Haram Child Soldiers in Nigeria

Azem Agouna, Chadian Army Spokesman, on Wednesday told newsmen that Chadian troops have rescued 43 children in Nigeria, who are Chadian nationals and had been kidnapped by Boko Haram and forced to become soldiers.

The children who were aged 12 and older, were found in Damasak, Borno State.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Damasak was under Boko Haram control until Chadian and Nigerian forces recaptured the town in early March.

Agouna said the children managed to escape during the clashes between the insurgents and soldiers, while the local families helped them to hide from the jihadists.

He disclosed that when it was certain that Boko Haram had been defeated and would not return to the town, the children came out of their hiding places and asked Chadian security forces for help.

The spokesman said the army would look into how and when Boko Haram abducted the children from Chad.