Report Alleges 40 Repentant Boko Haram Members Shortlisted for Nigerian Army Recruitment
A reports has alleged that no fewer than 40 repentant Boko Haram members have been shortlisted for recruitment into the Nigerian Army’s 91st Regular Recruits Intake (91 RRI), sparking fresh concerns within the military.
According to the report, the former insurgents, said to be among thousands rehabilitated under the Borno State Government’s deradicalisation programme, recently underwent medical screening at the 7 Division Military Hospital, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
The publication, citing unnamed military sources, claimed that while some of the applicants did not pass the medical examination, others successfully advanced to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Some serving military personnel reportedly questioned how the applicants met the Army’s recruitment requirements, which include documents such as birth certificates or age declarations, educational qualifications, certificates of state of origin, and letters of attestation from recognised authorities.
One source was quoted as expressing concern that the alleged recruitment of former insurgents into the Army could undermine public confidence and raise security risks. Another claimed that the candidates were transported for the screening exercise in a bus provided by the Borno State Government.
The report also referenced previous objections raised by some soldiers over the integration of rehabilitated ex-insurgents into security-related activities, arguing that such a move could compromise military operations.
The Borno State Government has continued to implement its “Borno Model” deradicalisation and reintegration programme, which officials say has successfully rehabilitated thousands of former insurgents and their family members through vocational training, counselling and behavioural reorientation.
As of the time of the report, the Nigerian Army had not officially responded to the allegations. SaharaReporters stated that calls and a text message sent to the Director of Army Public Relations seeking clarification were not answered before publication.
The Nigerian military has previously denied claims that repentant Boko Haram members are being recruited into the armed forces, maintaining that such allegations are false and misleading.
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