Nigeria's military bans UNICEF over 'spies' training claim

Nigeria's military on Friday suspended UNICEF from operating in the country's ravaged northeast over claims it was training "spies" who are supporting Boko Haram jihadists.

"There is credible information that some of them are indulging in unwholesome practices that could further jeopardise the fight against terrorism and insurgency, as they train and deploy spies who support the insurgents and their sympathisers," said the press release signed by Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu.

"Consequently, the Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE is suspending the operations of UNICEF in the North East theatre until further notice," said Nwachukwu.

A UNICEF spokesperson did not immediately respond to comment.

"It's self explanatory, when you read it you will understand everything," said army public relations director Brigadier General Sani Usman to AFP about the suspension statement.

More than 27,000 people have been killed in the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria since 2009 and 1.8 million are still homeless.

The fighting has triggered a humanitarian crisis in the wider Lake Chad region, where the Islamists have stepped up attacks in recent months.