- Soldiers questioned working with ex-Boko Haram fighters
- Troops cited fears over trust and security leaks
- Borno recently reintegrated hundreds of former insurgents
Some Nigerian soldiers deployed in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East have expressed reservations over an alleged directive requiring them to work alongside rehabilitated former terrorists.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the troops, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the arrangement has created anxiety among personnel involved in counter-insurgency operations in Borno State.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Federal Lawmaker Yaya Tongo Dies In Abuja Hospital
- Rep. Wale Raji Celebrates Alhaja Aduke Salimot Seriki on Birthday
- Nancy Isime Recalls Alex Ekubo’s Fearless Humor, Generosity at Late Actor’s Tribute
According to the soldiers, some ex-Boko Haram members who passed through the state’s deradicalisation programme have been assigned to local security groups that assist the military during operations.
One of the soldiers claimed the initiative was intended to demonstrate the success of the government’s reintegration programme but argued that many troops remain uncomfortable with the decision.
He said previous incidents involving leaked operational information had made soldiers wary of placing trust in former insurgents.
Another military source noted that doubts over the loyalty of some rehabilitated fighters persist, adding that they are often accommodated separately because of security concerns.
The source questioned the wisdom of deploying former insurgents alongside troops, saying such a move could expose military operations to unnecessary risks.
The soldiers urged the government to prioritise improved welfare, better equipment and stronger intelligence support for security personnel instead of encouraging close collaboration with former Boko Haram members.
Their concerns come weeks after the Borno State Government reintegrated 720 rehabilitated former insurgents, along with 992 spouses and 2,050 children, into various communities under its “Borno Model” deradicalisation programme.
The beneficiaries reportedly surrendered to security forces before undergoing rehabilitation at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri.
Speaking during the reintegration exercise, the Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum on Security, retired Brigadier General Abdullahi Ishaq, said the initiative forms part of the state’s non-military strategy to tackle insurgency through rehabilitation, forgiveness and community acceptance.
He disclosed that more than 350,000 people have left insurgent camps since the programme began in 2021, while 9,680 former insurgents have so far been reintegrated into society in nine batches.
FURTHER READING
