A fresh wave of discontent is spreading among Nigerian soldiers deployed in the North-East as some troops have accused “repentant” Boko Haram members integrated into military operations of secretly leaking sensitive information about army movements and armoury to their former terrorist allies.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, several frontline soldiers stationed in Borno and Yobe States have described the policy of recruiting and working alongside “repentant” insurgents as a “deadly mistake that continues to cost lives.”
One of the soldiers, who spoke under condition of anonymity, alleged that some of the so-called repentant fighters routinely relay vital intelligence to Boko Haram commanders ahead of attacks.
“Before Boko Haram attack any military camp in the Northeast, they already know how we operate. These repentant fighters tell them everything,” he said.
“They expose how many men we deploy at the gate, the kind of weapons we carry, and even our daily routine in camp.”
The soldier claimed the informants also leak operational details such as the timing of the army’s evening watch, known as “stand 2,” and the location of the armoury where weapons and ammunition are stored.
“They tell Boko Haram that between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm, all soldiers must return to camp for ‘stand 2’. They even show them where our rifles, GMPGs, RPGs, PKTs, hand grenades, and bombs are kept,” the source added.
The informants, according to him, also reveal the timing of food supply deliveries, enabling insurgents to attack and cart away food items meant for soldiers.
The revelations have reportedly deepened suspicion and anger among troops who are compelled to patrol and share camps with the former insurgents.
“In our camp, we have repentant Boko Haram members who surrendered. We go on patrol together so that they can help us trace those still hiding in the bush,” another soldier said.
“But many of them have used that opportunity to infiltrate us and feed intelligence back to Boko Haram. Some have even run back to the bush after gathering information from us.”
Another soldier described the government’s deradicalisation and reintegration programme as a “betrayal of fallen soldiers and civilians.”
“These people killed our colleagues and civilians. Then one day they say they have surrendered, and the government forgives them just like that. Now we are forced to work with them. It doesn’t make sense,” he lamented.
According to Sahara Reporters’ findings, some ex-fighters have been offered motorbikes, monthly stipends, and military uniforms by the Borno and Yobe State Governments, ostensibly to assist in counter-insurgency operations.
“They are paid salaries and fed whatever we eat in the camp,” a soldier disclosed. “Only senior officers know their real numbers. We, the field soldiers, don’t like them, but our commanders say we must work with them.”
The Nigerian government’s deradicalisation and reintegration policy—often referred to as the “Borno Model”—has long drawn criticism for allegedly endangering active troops and victims of insurgency.
In 2024, it was reported that 13 “repentant” Boko Haram members escaped with motorcycles and sophisticated weapons provided by the Borno State Government during their rehabilitation training.
That same year, the government claimed to have reintegrated 8,490 ex-fighters under its amnesty programme—a move security experts and soldiers have continued to question amid persistent attacks in the region.
The Defence Headquarters has yet to issue a response to these new allegations as of press time.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
