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EXCLUSIVE: Soldiers Raise Alarm As Nigerian Army Forces Them To Work With ‘Repentant’ Boko Haram Fighters They Don’t Trust
October 24, 2025
NEWS
EXCLUSIVE

Several Nigerian soldiers have expressed anger and fear over what they described as a dangerous policy by the Nigerian Army compelling troops to work alongside ‘repentant’ Boko Haram fighters in parts of Yobe and other states in the Northeast, SaharaReporters has learnt.

According to multiple military sources who spoke exclusively to SaharaReporters, the soldiers said their commanders were forcing them to patrol, share intelligence, and even live in the same camps with former Boko Haram members who “surrendered” to the government despite deep distrust and repeated cases of betrayal.

“In our camp, we have repentant Boko Haram members; those ones that surrendered. They are working with us. We go on patrol together so that they can give us information about Boko Haram fighters still hiding in the bush,” one soldier said.

The source explained that the arrangement, which was introduced as part of the Nigerian military’s counterinsurgency strategy, has left many soldiers uncomfortable and suspicious.

“There are normal vigilantes, and there are repentant Boko Haram,” the soldier continued.

“Some of these people help us navigate the bush because they know the terrain, but we don’t trust them. Many of them have run back to the bush to rejoin Boko Haram after gathering information from us. That’s why we don’t believe they are truly repentant.”

Another source disclosed that, while not all army camps have “repentant fighters,” those that do are given separate accommodation within military bases and are supported by both the army and state governments.

“They gave them motorbikes and even allow them to wear army uniforms,” the soldier said.

“If they run away, they can use the uniform to commit crimes. That’s why you see some of them wearing our uniforms outside.”

The soldiers alleged that both the Yobe State Government and the Nigerian Army are providing the ex-fighters with food and stipends.

SaharaReporters learnt that such benefits have caused resentment among regular troops who risk their lives daily.

“The state government pays them salaries, and the army also feeds them whatever we eat in the camp,” another soldier explained.

“We know them among the normal vigilante groups. Only our senior officers know their real numbers. We, the field soldiers, don’t like them, but our commanders say we must work with them. We have no choice.”

Military sources disclosed that some of the ‘repentant’ Boko Haram fighters have been integrated into army operations at locations including the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Gari, Yobe State, and Kukareta Camp, headquartered in Damaturu, Sector 2.

“We can never trust them,” one visibly angry soldier said. “These are people who 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.”

The policy of reintegrating so-called ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members into society has sparked public outrage for years.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how no fewer than 13 ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members escaped with sophisticated weapons and motorcycles provided to them by the Borno State Government in 2024.

It was gathered that the ‘escaped’ repentant terrorists were being trained and equipped by the Borno Government for them to join the Nigerian military in the fight against insurgents in the state.

In July 2024, SaharaReporters also reported how the state government said it had reintegrated 8,490 ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members into society through the Borno Model process.

SaharaReporters

According to multiple military sources who spoke exclusively to SaharaReporters, the soldiers said their commanders were forcing them to patrol, share intelligence, and even live in the same camps with former Boko Haram members who “surrendered” to the government despite deep distrust and repeated cases of betrayal.

😂😂😂😂😂

Nothing is new again in this tinubu government .

Tinubu pardoned serial murderers, and kidnappers for political gain and still under him, Soldiers are being asked to work with terrorists .

But Nnamdi kanu is the bad guy abi?

Shame shame shame

Nlfpmod will agree with me that APC truly is a terrorist organization.

As if you people are different from those repentant terrorists 🙄🙄

It is wrong to have "repentant" bokoharam terrorists enlisted in the Army.. who started such policy in the first place?
Mr. President should as a matter of urgency look into this and order their disengagement from Nigerian Military service..
No matter how big or effective an organization is, it can't and won't achieve success when trust is lacking.. You can't ask soldiers to fight alongside those who caused death of their comrades in the past and expect them to comply.

Repentant bokoharam terrorists should go and learn skill and not get automatic job in the Military. Such policy is wrong and can jeopardize unity in the Military.

When Nigeria finally breaks up, a lot of people will be so embarrassed when they are reminded of the sort of country they once defended. You have to be mentally retarded to even love and defend this country.

2elliot:
When Nigeria finally breaks up, a lot of people will be so embarrassed when they are reminded of the sort of country they once defended. You have to be mentally retarded to even love and defend this country.

I am already embarrassed with some events that actually happened in Nigeria. Sometimes I wonder what later generations would think of us when they read stories of a country formerly known as Nigeria

Superiors that are supposed to do everything in their capacity to ensure their men (soldiers) are safe and well catered for are the ones directing them to work with the enemy that killed many of their brothers in arms.

They tag the enemy “repentant” and put them in their platoons.

It’s either those superiors are dumb or they work indirectly for the enemy.

Northern or Nigerian army? Lol.
Who guaged the repentance. That person must be an angel of the most high.

Big shame to the federal government

OLAADEGBU:
According to multiple military sources who spoke exclusively to SaharaReporters, the soldiers said their commanders were forcing them to patrol, share intelligence, and even live in the same camps with former Boko Haram members who “surrendered” to the government despite deep distrust and repeated cases of betrayal.

Imagine American Soldiers sharing state secret with repentant Alqaeda members

OLAADEGBU:
According to multiple military sources who spoke exclusively to SaharaReporters, the soldiers said their commanders were forcing them to patrol, share intelligence, and even live in the same camps with former Boko Haram members who “surrendered” to the government despite deep distrust and repeated cases of betrayal.

Is it not time to ban accounts creating news from fake news media.
Knowing that this guy has a running battle with the Government and he will use his media to fabricate lies and propaganda against the Government.

seun Mynd44 nlfpmod Dominique

Ain't you amazed at your country?
Always doing the unimaginable😂😂😂
Countries of surprises...
We anticipate another shock tomorrow

Tinubu has released five thousand "repentant" Boko Haram this year. Let's clap for him



https://m.lindaikejisblog.com/index.php/2025/1/5000-repentant-boko-haram-fighters-reunited-with-families-fg.html

EXCLUSIVE: How 'Repentant' Boko Haram Members Leak Nigerian Army Movements, Armoury To Terrorists — Soldiers Reveal
October 29, 2025

Some frontline Nigerian soldiers fighting Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe and Borno states have accused the government-backed “repentant” insurgents of leaking critical military strategies, positions, and weapon details to their former commanders, SaharaReporters can confirm.

The soldiers, who are currently serving in multiple bases across the Northeast, described the policy of integrating “repentant” Boko Haram members into military operations as a “deadly mistake that continues to cost lives.”

One of the personnel told SaharaReporters on Tuesday that the so-called repentant fighters routinely brief terrorist leaders about Nigerian Army movements and plans before major attacks.

“Before Boko Haram attack any military camp in the Northeast, they already know how we operate. These repentant fighters tell them everything,” the soldier revealed.

“They expose how many men we deploy at the gate or entrance, the kind of weapons we carry, even the daily routine in the camp.”

He added that the leaks had made many soldiers extremely vulnerable.

“They tell Boko Haram that every evening between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm, all soldiers must return to camp for what we call ‘stand 2’ — the period when we observe enemy movements. They also tell them where our armoury is located — where we keep rifles, GMPGs, RPGs, PKTs, hand grenades, and bombs.”

According to the soldier, the sabotage also extends to logistics and supplies.

SEE ALSO
BREAKING: Repentant Boko Haram Member Enlisted Into Nigerian Army Slits Woman's Throat In Enugu Barracks, Hides Corpse
Apr 13, 2024

“They even tell them where our food store is so that when Boko Haram attacks, they can cart away our food to starve us. Because we load food monthly, they know the exact time supplies arrive.”

He said that without insider information from these “repentant” elements, most Boko Haram attacks would not have succeeded.

“If the terrorists fail to get this information, they might not succeed or even come back alive. But once they know our strength and routine, they strike with precision.”

This revelation comes amid growing tension within the Nigerian Army over what soldiers describe as a “dangerous alliance” between troops and ex-insurgents disguised as repentant fighters.

As SaharaReporters earlier reported, many soldiers have expressed anger and frustration at being compelled by their commanders to patrol, share intelligence, and even live in the same camps with former Boko Haram members who “surrendered” under government amnesty programmes.

“In our camp, we have repentant Boko Haram members; those ones that surrendered. They are working with us. We go on patrol together so that they can give us information about Boko Haram fighters still hiding in the bush,” one soldier said.

He added, however, that many of them had used that arrangement to infiltrate the army and feed information back to the terrorists

“Some of them have run back to the bush to rejoin Boko Haram after gathering intelligence from us. That’s why we don’t believe they are truly repentant.

Another soldier described the policy as a betrayal of the sacrifices of frontline troops.

“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.”

According to multiple sources, some of these ex-fighters have been given motorbikes, stipends, and even military uniforms by the Yobe and Borno State Governments, allegedly to help in counter-insurgency operations.

“They are paid salaries and fed whatever we eat in the camp,” another soldier disclosed.

“Only our 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 has long drawn outrage and suspicion.

In 2024, SaharaReporters reported how 13 ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members escaped with motorcycles and sophisticated weapons provided by the Borno State Government, which had been training them for reintegration into the Nigerian military.

In July 2024, the state government claimed to have reintegrated 8,490 ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members through its “Borno Model” rehabilitation scheme.

SaharaReporters

The soldiers, who are currently serving in multiple bases across the Northeast, described the policy of integrating “repentant” Boko Haram members into military operations as a “deadly mistake that continues to cost lives.”

Unfortunately with the Type of president and leaders nigeria has, Insecurity will continue to prevail until nigeria finds a more reliable President.

Alleged Genocide: Igbo American Veterans Call For Establishment Of US Military Base In Nigeria
November 7, 2025
NEWS

The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), a US-based veterans’ organisation, has written to the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, calling for the establishment of a United States military base in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

In the letter dated November 6 and signed by AVID President, Dr. Sylvester Unyia and Secretary, Dr. Godson Obiagwu, the group thanked Secretary Hegseth for his “unwavering support in tackling the Christian genocide in Nigeria” and urged concrete action to deter further violence.

AVID is made up of American citizens of Igbo descent who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The group said its members have deep cultural and geographical knowledge of the affected areas in southeastern Nigeria, which they believe uniquely positions them to support US engagement in the region.

“We know the topography of the areas affected, their mindset, culture, and comprehend fully the magnitude of this problem,” the letter stated.

“A permanent solution is the only way to resolve this Christian genocide. Establishing a U.S. military base (in Nigeria) will be the genesis of resolving this issue, as it will serve as a deterrent to these perpetrators.”

AVID also accused the Nigerian government of spreading “lies and propaganda” about the ongoing violence, adding that its members were “ready and standing by to render any form of assistance.”

The veterans concluded the letter with an expression of loyalty to both the United States and President Donald Trump, writing, “May God bless you, Sir. Long live Donald J. Trump, and long live the United States of America.”

SaharaReporters had reported that President Trump’s decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern split the country.
SaharaReporters had also reported that President Trump again said the United States would not stand by while 'Christians are being killed' in Nigeria.

In a speech seen by SaharaReporters, he again reiterated that he has designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over what he described as large-scale killings of Christians, and warned that Washington could cut aid or even take military action if the violence continues.

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria, thousands and thousands of Christians are being killed, radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a country of particular concern, that is a legal definition,” Trump wrote in a social-media post.

He drew attention to global figures and urged rapid action from U.S. lawmakers. “When the Christians or any such group is slaughtered like it's happening in Nigeria 3100 Vs 4476 Worldwide, what horrible numbers.”

Trump called on members of Congress to move quickly, singling out appropriations leaders.

“Something has to be done, I am asking Congressman Riley Moore together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee to immediately look into this matter to report back to me, I mean like immediately.”

He added that the United States could intervene to protect religious minorities. “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and other countries.

“It's not only in Nigeria, it's all over. We are able and willing to defend Christians, the killing of Christians, it is not going to happen.”

The Nigerian government has rejected the characterisation and pushed back against the claim that the violence amounts to targeted genocide, saying the country's constitution protects all faiths and that security challenges affect communities across religious lines.

Last Friday, President Trump announced that, in response to claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, he had redesignated the country as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

He made the announcement on his Truth Social media platform, writing: “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

SaharaReporters

AVID is made up of American citizens of Igbo descent who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.