Outrage as 40 Repentant Boko Haram Ex-Fighters Reportedly Make Nigerian Army Recruitment Shortlist
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June 25, 2026
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At least 40 repentant Boko Haram members have reportedly been shortlisted for the Nigerian Army's 91st Regular Recruits Intake (RRI 91), according to multiple security sources who spoke to SaharaReporters.
The individuals are said to be among the 3,740 former insurgents reintegrated into society under the Borno State Government's deradicalisation and rehabilitation programme.
Sources disclosed that the ex-fighters underwent medical screening this week at the Nigerian Army's 7 Division Military Hospital, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, as part of the recruitment process. While some were reportedly disqualified on medical grounds, others progressed to the next stage.
A serving Army Major expressed concern over the development, questioning how the former insurgents were shortlisted despite allegedly lacking key requirements such as birth certificates, educational qualifications, certificates of origin, and attestation letters.
Another military officer, a Lieutenant, also raised concerns, saying the development suggests that individuals with criminal backgrounds could easily gain entry into the Army. According to him, the candidates were transported to the screening venue in a bus provided by the Borno State Government.
The development has sparked unease among serving soldiers, many of whom have previously expressed concerns about working alongside rehabilitated former insurgents. Troops fear that integrating ex-Boko Haram members into security operations could lead to intelligence leaks and compromise military missions.
The controversy comes amid the Borno State Government's continued implementation of its "Borno Model" deradicalisation programme, through which thousands of former insurgents and their families have been reintegrated into communities.
While state officials maintain that the programme promotes rehabilitation, forgiveness, and community acceptance, critics continue to question whether adequate safeguards exist to prevent former insurgents from returning to extremist activities or infiltrating security institutions.
As of the time of filing the report, the Nigerian Army had not officially responded to the allegations, despite inquiries sent to the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
The individuals are said to be among the 3,740 former insurgents reintegrated into society under the Borno State Government's deradicalisation and rehabilitation programme.
Sources disclosed that the ex-fighters underwent medical screening this week at the Nigerian Army's 7 Division Military Hospital, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, as part of the recruitment process. While some were reportedly disqualified on medical grounds, others progressed to the next stage.
A serving Army Major expressed concern over the development, questioning how the former insurgents were shortlisted despite allegedly lacking key requirements such as birth certificates, educational qualifications, certificates of origin, and attestation letters.
Another military officer, a Lieutenant, also raised concerns, saying the development suggests that individuals with criminal backgrounds could easily gain entry into the Army. According to him, the candidates were transported to the screening venue in a bus provided by the Borno State Government.
The development has sparked unease among serving soldiers, many of whom have previously expressed concerns about working alongside rehabilitated former insurgents. Troops fear that integrating ex-Boko Haram members into security operations could lead to intelligence leaks and compromise military missions.
The controversy comes amid the Borno State Government's continued implementation of its "Borno Model" deradicalisation programme, through which thousands of former insurgents and their families have been reintegrated into communities.
While state officials maintain that the programme promotes rehabilitation, forgiveness, and community acceptance, critics continue to question whether adequate safeguards exist to prevent former insurgents from returning to extremist activities or infiltrating security institutions.
As of the time of filing the report, the Nigerian Army had not officially responded to the allegations, despite inquiries sent to the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
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