40 ‘Repentant’ Boko Haram Members Advance in Nigerian Army Recruitment

At least 40 ex-Boko Haram insurgents have been shortlisted for the Nigerian Army’s 91st Regular Recruits Intake. They are among 3,740 former fighters reintegrated into society under a Borno State government programme. The screening began on June 9, 2026, at the 7 Division Military Hospital in Maiduguri. A military source said some candidates failed medicals, but most moved on to the next stage. Officers have raised questions about missing documents and educational certificates required for enlistment. Frontline soldiers warn that working alongside former insurgents could expose operations to leaks and sabotage. They say trust remains a major issue and call for better equipment, intelligence support, and welfare for troops instead of compulsory collaboration. Borno’s deradicalisation effort started in July 2021 and has reintegrated nearly 10,000 people through vocational training and counselling. Critics, including security personnel and victims’ groups, remain sceptical about the programme’s safeguards.

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