Outrage as Viral Video Shows Nigerian Minors Coerced Into Anti-Christian Slogans

ABUJA — Human rights advocates and civil society groups have called on federal authorities to launch an immediate, independent investigation following the emergence of a disturbing viral video showing children participating in militarised marching drills while chanting violent, anti-Christian slogans.

The footage, which has sparked widespread condemnation across the country, captures teenagers and young children undergoing structured marching drills. The session was led by adult coordinators wearing uniforms linked to Jama’atu Izalatu Bidi’a wa’iqamatus-Sunnah (JIBWIS), a prominent Islamic organisation commonly known as Izala.

During the drills, the young marchers are heard chanting slogans that explicitly reference taking up an “AK-47 to attack Christians on a Sunday in Enugu and Jos.”

‘Vicious Child Manipulation’

Amnesty International, in a statement issued on Monday, has condemned the footage, labelling it a vicious display of child manipulation and dangerous indoctrination, warning that using structured youth programmes or religious groups to instil hostile ideologies severely compromises the safety, moral development, and future of young Nigerians.

“Protecting children from exposure to hateful rhetoric, militarised drills, and extreme indoctrination is a binding obligation of the state,” the group said. “Under the Nigerian Child Rights Act and international frameworks—including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child—minors possess an absolute right to protection from exposure to violence, hate speech, and recruitment or training in paramilitary activities.”

Demands for Accountability

Amnesty International is demanding that security and intelligence agencies meticulously examine the source, precise location, and contents of the video footage. Furthermore, it has demanded an immediate, comprehensive review of the moral songs and curricula utilized during these youth activities.

It warns that the authorities must ensure that all children involved in such programmes are immediately safeguarded against further radicalisation and provided with appropriate psychological and educational support while government agencies must hold fully accountable any individuals, coordinators, or religious entities found guilty of using children to promote intolerance, incite violence, or infringe upon constitutional religious freedom.