Ransom Paid, Sons Still Held: Family Fears Kidnapped Christian Boys Are Being Turned into Child Soldiers

After collecting millions of naira in ransom payments, abductors continue demanding money and send photographs that raise fears of forced recruitment.

By Luka Binniyat 

KADUNA, Nigeria — After paying ransom demands totaling millions of naira, the family of two kidnapped Christian boys says the children remain in captivity and may be facing forced recruitment into terrorist ranks, a growing concern in parts of northern Nigeria where armed groups have been known to exploit children.

Relatives of the boys, Clement, 11, and Steve, 13, told TruthNigeria that the children were abducted from their home in the Rimi area of Kaduna in September 2026.

A family member, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the boys’ father’s work, said the kidnappers initially demanded an exorbitant ransom before gradually reducing the amount.

“I thought I should update you on the kidnap issue of the two teenage children of my nephew abducted at their home in the Rimi neighborhood off Yakowa Highway, Kaduna, a month ago,” the relative said.

According to the family member, the kidnappers first demanded N500 million, later reduced the demand to N100 million, and eventually accepted N20 million.

However, even after receiving the ransom payment, the abductors allegedly continued making additional demands.

“N20 million was taken to them on October 10 and they called to claim that it was short by N2.3 million,” the relative said.

The kidnappers allegedly demanded the balance along with 20 walkie-talkies.

“Those items were also taken to them. They then called to ask for another N6 million,” he said.

According to the family, that money was delivered as well. Despite the payments, the captors have continued demanding additional funds and have not released the children.

“Right now they are asking for more money,” the relative said. “We have asked my nephew to insist he doesn’t have any more money and, therefore, he has handed his children’s situation to God.”

Fears of Forced Recruitment

The family’s greatest concern now, relatives say, is not only the continued captivity of the boys but the possibility that they are being groomed for recruitment into terrorist or bandit groups.

“Of serious concern to us right now are the photos of our two children which they have sent to my nephew,” the relative said.

“We are afraid of forceful conscription into either terrorism or banditry.”

The father has reportedly informed his employer about the situation because of the sensitive nature of his work.

“We do not know if they have taken or are taking any steps to free the children,” the relative said. “We want any assistance that can set them free.”

Hundreds of Nigerian Children Recruited by Armed Groups

The family’s fears reflect a broader pattern documented by international organizations.

According to the United Nations, 821 children were recruited and used by armed groups in Nigeria between January 2022 and December 2023, an average of about 411 children annually.

The U.N. report documented the continued exploitation of minors by non-state armed groups, particularly in conflict-affected areas of the country.

A separate UNICEF report published in 2019 found that more than 3,500 children were recruited and used by non-state armed groups in northeastern Nigeria between 2013 and 2017. Most were between the ages of 13 and 17, although UNICEF said the actual number was likely higher.

The agency warned that children are often used as fighters, informants, porters, or for other support roles within armed groups.

Luka Binniyat writes from Kaduna.

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