Beyond the law to sociolegal intervention: The Boko Haram insurgency and the Nigerian Child

Violence against children is a major threat to development and attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Protecting children from the ravages of violence is a state obligation, legal duty and concern for international peace and security. It is a key humanitarian issue in conflict-affected areas. Nigeria is a state party to several international law instruments protecting children, however Nigerian children are subjected to violence, particularly in recent times by the insurgence of Boko Haram. From inhibition of realisation of the right to education to the kidnapping of over 200 girls, the danger continues to loom large. This paper looks beyond the question of the law and explores a sociolegal approach to curbing the Boko Haram insurgency. It highlights not only general and specific legislative, institutional, policy and administrative measures but concludes by making recommendations that would guide policy formulation and development of interventions for the prevention and mitigation of the effects of violence against the Nigerian child to stimulate further dialogue on child rights from a sociolegal perspective.