The Nigerian authorities must carry out an immediate and independent investigation into a viral video footage showing teenagers and children participating in marching drills led by adult coordinators wearing uniforms associated to Jama’atu Izalatu Bidi’a wa’iqamatus-Sunnah (JIBWIS) The marchers were chanting slogans with reference to taking up “AK-47 to attack Christians on a Sunday in Enugu and Jos.” The slogans are a vicious display of children being manipulated and indoctrinated with violence and hatred.

The authorities must examine the source, location, and contents of the video footage and review the moral songs and curricula used during these youth activities. Authorities must also ensure that minors involved in these programmes are protected from radicalisation and provided appropriate psychological and educational support, while holding accountable any individuals or religious groups found using children to promote intolerance and infringing religious freedom.

Protecting children from exposure to hateful rhetoric, militarised drills, and extreme indoctrination is an obligation of the state under national and international law. Under the Child Rights Act and international human rights frameworks, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have an absolute right to protection from exposure to violence, hate speech, and recruitment or training in paramilitary activities.

Using structured youth programmes or religious training groups to instil hostile ideologies compromises the safety, moral development, and future of young Nigerians