Lawmakers To Ban The Enlistment Of Child Soldiers

The Senate has taken a major step to end the recruitment of persons below 18 years into the Nigerian military after passing the Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025, for second reading.

The proposed legislation seeks to align Nigeria’s military recruitment practices with the Child Rights Act of 2003, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua of Katsina Central, the bill aims to repeal the existing Armed Forces Act of 2004 and replace it with a modern, constitutionally compliant law that reflects current security and governance realities.

Leading the debate, Yar’Adua described the reform as long overdue, noting that the current law—originally derived from a military decree—no longer meets the standards of democratic accountability or the demands of contemporary national security.

“Our Armed Forces are a symbol of unity and pride, but the laws guiding them must evolve with our democracy. This bill lays a foundation that ensures justice, professionalism, and respect for human rights,” he stated.

The bill introduces key reforms, including a broader definition of military offences, proportionate penalties, and stronger safeguards for the independence of courts-martial by criminalising interference from superior officers to prevent abuse of power