Nigerian soldiers have voiced apprehension and discontent regarding a Nigerian Army policy that mandates troops to operate alongside so-called ‘repentant’ Boko Haram fighters in parts of Yobe and other North-eastern states. Multiple military sources reportedly expressed deep distrust, informing the press that commanders are compelling soldiers to patrol, share intelligence, and cohabit in the same camps as former Boko Haram members who surrendered to the government. This arrangement, sources noted, is part of the military’s counterinsurgency strategy, which utilises the ex-fighters’ local knowledge for intelligence gathering and navigation.
The sources, speaking anonymously, explained that the situation has generated considerable discomfort and suspicion among the regular troops. One soldier claimed that while the ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members assist in navigating the terrain, there is a pervasive lack of confidence in their loyalty. The soldiers cited repeated cases of the former insurgents allegedly rejoining Boko Haram after successfully gathering information from the military bases.
Further revelations from the soldiers suggested that the integrated ex-fighters are given separate accommodation within the military bases and receive support from both the Nigerian Army and the Yobe State Government. This support reportedly includes stipends and food, with some of the former terrorists even being supplied with motorbikes and being allowed to wear army uniforms. The soldiers expressed concern that if these individuals abscond, they could use the uniforms to perpetrate criminal activities.
The provision of benefits to the ex-fighters, including salaries from the state government and shared meals from the army, has reportedly fuelled resentment among regular troops who risk their lives daily fighting the insurgency. Field soldiers maintained that they are reluctant to work with the former terrorists, who they see as having killed their colleagues and civilians, but are being forced to comply by their commanders. The integration of these ‘repentant’ fighters is said to be taking place at various military locations, including the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Gari and Kukareta Camp in Damaturu.
The policy of integrating ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members has been a source of public controversy for years, with past incidents raising serious concerns about its efficacy and safety. Previous reports highlighted instances where ‘repentant’ members, who had been trained and equipped by the Borno State Government, allegedly escaped with sophisticated weapons and motorcycles. In July 2024, the Borno State Government itself reported that 8,490 ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members had been reintegrated through its ‘Borno Model’ process, an initiative that has continuously sparked national debate.
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