Reports have emerged that several Nigerian soldiers have expressed anger and fear over a policy allegedly compelling troops to work alongside so-called “repentant” Boko Haram fighters in parts of Yobe State and other areas in the North-East.
According to SaharaReporters, multiple military sources disclosed that the Nigerian Army has integrated some former insurgents who reportedly surrendered to the government into joint operations with regular soldiers. These ex-fighters are said to patrol, share intelligence, and even reside in the same military camps with troops.
“In our camp, we have repentant Boko Haram members, those who surrendered. They work with us, and we go on patrols together so they can provide information about Boko Haram fighters still hiding in the bush,” one soldier was quoted as saying.
The source, however, described the policy as unsettling, noting that the soldiers find it difficult to trust the ex-fighters. “Some of these people help us navigate the terrain, but many have returned to the bush after gathering intelligence from us. That’s why we don’t believe they are truly repentant,” he added.
Another military source revealed that while not all camps host the so-called repentant fighters, those that do often provide them with separate accommodation and material support from both the army and state governments.
“They gave them motorbikes and even allowed them to wear army uniforms,” the soldier claimed. “If they disappear, they can use the uniform to commit crimes. That’s why you sometimes see people wearing army uniforms outside.”
The soldiers further alleged that the ex-fighters receive food, stipends, and other incentives from the government—benefits that have reportedly created resentment among regular troops risking their lives in the conflict.
“The state government pays them salaries, and the army feeds them the same meals we eat in the camp,” one soldier alleged. “Only our senior officers know their actual number. We, the field soldiers, don’t like them, but our commanders insist we must work with them. We have no choice.”
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