Nigerian soldiers in the North-East have raised fresh alarms over the government’s policy of integrating so-called “repentant” Boko Haram insurgents into military operations, claiming that the move is fueling insider leaks that aid terrorist attacks. According to a frontline soldier who spoke to SaharaReporters, troops are increasingly distrustful of these former fighters and have begun distancing themselves within camps.
The source alleged that operational strategies, troop movements, and weapon locations are being leaked to Boko Haram, enabling precise attacks on military personnel. “Most of the recent attacks, like a recent report published by SaharaReporters, were due to the leaked information of our strategy by these ‘repentant’ terrorists,” the soldier said. Last week, nine soldiers were reportedly killed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by Boko Haram near Gubio in Borno State.
Soldiers detailed that the so-called repentant fighters disclose sensitive information, including daily routines, armoury locations, weapons, and logistics. “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,” the source added.
Concerns over the integration of ex-insurgents are not new. In October 2025, soldiers had already accused the policy of being a “deadly mistake” that compromises security and costs lives. Many troops argue that without insider intelligence from these repentant elements, Boko Haram attacks would be far less effective, potentially preventing casualties.
The revelations have heightened tensions within the Nigerian Army, with frontline personnel appealing to military authorities and government officials to halt the inclusion of former insurgents in operations, citing the ongoing risk to lives and mission success.
