Soldiers Accuse ‘Repentant’ Boko Haram Members of Exposing Military Secrets to Insurgents

Frontline Nigerian soldiers fighting Boko Haram in Yobe and Borno states have accused government-backed “repentant” insurgents of betraying the military by leaking sensitive information to the terrorists.

According to the troops, some of the ex-fighters who surrendered under the federal government’s amnesty programme have been passing on details about military strategies, locations, and weapon storage to their former commanders helping Boko Haram plan deadly attacks.

“Before Boko Haram attacks any of our camps, they already know our setup,” one soldier told SaharaReporters. “These so-called repentant fighters tell them everything how many men we have at the gate, the weapons we use, and even our daily routines.”

“He added that the defectors also disclose details about the military’s observation period known as “stand 2,” which takes place between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily. “They even show them where our armoury is—where we keep rifles, RPGs, grenades, and bombs,” he said.

“Another soldier described the government’s decision to integrate former Boko Haram members into security operations as “a fatal error that keeps costing lives.”

“These are people who killed soldiers and civilians for years. Suddenly, they surrender and are forgiven, and now we’re told to trust them. It’s wrong,” he said.

“The soldiers further alleged that the “repentant” insurgents have also been revealing the army’s supply and logistics details to Boko Haram.

“They inform them when our food supplies arrive and where they’re stored,” a soldier said. “That’s why, during attacks, the terrorists go straight for our food to weaken us.”

“Troops expressed frustration about being forced to work closely with former insurgents whom they believe are still loyal to Boko Haram.

“We patrol with them, share intelligence, and even live in the same camps,” another soldier said. “Some of them later disappear and rejoin the terrorists after collecting information from us. We don’t trust their repentance.”

“Their allegations highlight growing unrest within the Nigerian Army over the federal government’s deradicalisation and reintegration policy. Many soldiers remain skeptical, arguing that the programme has backfired and endangered lives on the battlefield.