Frontline Nigerian soldiers have accused government-backed “repentant” Boko Haram members of leaking military intelligence to insurgents, calling the reintegration policy a “deadly mistake.”
Frontline Nigerian soldiers fighting Boko Haram in Yobe and Borno states have accused “repentant” insurgents integrated into military operations of leaking vital intelligence to terrorist groups.
According to SaharaReporters, the soldiers described the government’s policy of involving former Boko Haram members as a “deadly mistake that continues to cost lives.” One soldier said, “Before Boko Haram attack any military camp in the Northeast, they already know how we operate. These repentant fighters tell them everything.”
He alleged that the ex-insurgents disclose troop numbers, weapon types, and even camp routines. “They tell Boko Haram that every evening between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm, all soldiers must return to camp for what we call ‘stand 2’… They also tell them where our armoury is located.”
The soldier further claimed the leaks extend to food supplies 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.”
Other troops expressed anger at being forced to patrol and share intelligence with the former insurgents. “These people killed our colleagues and civilians. Then one day they say they have surrendered, and the government forgives them just like that,” one said.
The Nigerian government’s deradicalisation policy continues to face public and military backlash amid reports of ex-fighters returning to the bush.