UNICEF: Boko Haram use of kids as 'human bombs' soars in 2017

GENEVA - 22 Aug 2017: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that fourfold increase in the use of children as "human bombs" by Boko Haram group in northeastern Nigeria this year compared to all of 2016.

UNICEF spokeswoman Marixie Mercado pointed out that she has no explanation for such an increase.

There are 83 "human bomb" children used by Boko Haram, two-thirds of them girls, compared to 19 total children last year, ABC news reported quoting Mercato as saying.

Mercado expounded that although Boko Haram does not always claim responsibility for such attacks typically against civilian targets, no other groups are known to use the tactic.

She added that "many children who have managed to get away from captivity face rejection when they try to reintegrate into their communities."

The U.N. estimates the insurgency in Nigeria has displaced 1.7 million people and left an estimated 20,000 people dead since 2009.