Frontline soldiers battling Boko Haram insurgents in Yobe and Borno States have accused government-backed “repentant” fighters of leaking critical military information, including strategies, weapon details, and troop positions, to their former commanders.
According to several soldiers who spoke to reporters the so-called “repentant” insurgents, who were integrated into military operations under the government’s deradicalisation and reintegration programme, have been betraying troops by supplying Boko Haram with sensitive intelligence.
“Before Boko Haram attacks any military camp in the Northeast, they already know how we operate,” one soldier said. “These repentant fighters tell them everything how many men we deploy, the kind of weapons we use, and even our daily routines.”
Another soldier described the policy of working with the former insurgents as a “deadly mistake,” saying it has continued to cost soldiers’ lives.
“These people killed our colleagues and civilians, then one day they claim to have surrendered and are forgiven. Now we are forced to work with them. It doesn’t make sense,” he lamented.
The soldiers alleged that the “repentant” members also inform Boko Haram about military logistics and supplies, enabling terrorists to plan attacks more effectively.
“They even tell them where our food store is so that when Boko Haram attacks, they cart away our food to starve us,” one officer revealed. “They know exactly when our monthly supplies arrive.”
Troops expressed deep frustration over being compelled to share camps, intelligence, and patrol duties with former insurgents, many of whom they say still maintain contact with Boko Haram elements in the bush.
“Some of them have returned to the bush after gathering intelligence from us,” a soldier disclosed. “That’s why we don’t believe they are truly repentant.”
The allegations come amid growing unease within the Nigerian Army over the government’s deradicalisation and reintegration programme, which many soldiers believe compromises national security and endangers frontline troops.
