Boko Haram's playground : exploring the role of fun among children associated with armed groups in Nigeria

Abstract

This article addresses child recruitment by Boko Haram, exploring the unexpected role of ‘fun’ in children’s enduring association with the group. It posits that ‘fun’, along with associated positive emotions, influences children’s experiences, blurring the victim–perpetrator boundary and contributing to group perpetuation. Data is gathered from semi-structured interviews conducted in 2022 with individuals formerly associated with Boko Haram, practitioners, and law enforcement. This article underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of child recruitment within contexts of protracted vulnerability and precarity.