Parents in Nigeria’s Northeast sympathetic to the cause of Boko Haram are donating their children to the terrorists for use as suicide bombers, the Nigerian Army said on Saturday evening.

A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman condemned the practice, appealing to “religious, traditional and community leaders, as well as all well-meaning Nigerians, especially in the Northeast of our country to help dissuade people from donating their daughters or wards to Boko Haram terrorists for indoctrination and suicide bombing missions.”

According to Usman, the "appeal became expedient in view of recent revelations by some intercepted female suicide bombers during interrogations.

"It was discovered that most of these hapless minors were 'donated' to the terrorists sect by their heartless and misguided parents and guardians, as part of their contribution to the perpetuation of the Boko Haram terrorists’ dastardly acts against the Nigerian society and humanity.

“The acts of these parents and guardians are not only barbaric, but condemnable and unacceptable. Nigerians have a responsibility and obligation to collectively mould our children and wards and define a better future for them rather than condemning them to death by the criminal Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers through suicide bombings.

“Consequently, the public are kindly requested to be more vigilant, security conscious and report any suspicious persons or those whose daughters or female wards are missing or have not been seen recently. You can report by calling 193 on any network.”