Suicide bomber intercepted in Maiduguri (FILE PHOTO)

Some parents in North east Nigeria with sympathy for Boko Haram terrorist group have been donating their children to the insurgents for use as suicide bombers, Nigerian Army said on Saturday.

Brigadier General Sani Usman, Director of Army Public Relations said in a statement that this fact came to the fore following interrogations of some female suicide bombers recently intercepted by security operatives.

The Army spokesman said ‘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 sympathizers through suicide bombings.

Usman therefore appealed to religious, traditional and the general public across the North East to help stop the heinous practice:  “The Nigerian Army wishes to appeal to religious, traditional and community leaders, as well as all well-meaning Nigerians especially in the North East of our country, to help dissuade people from donating their daughters or wards, to Boko Haram terrorists for indoctrination and suicide bombing missions.

“ 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.

“The public is also please reminded that the Nigerian Army’s offer and reward of the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) to anybody that provides information about suicide bombing, is still valid.