Security sources allege former insurgents underwent medical screening for Army recruitment in Borno, raising concerns over national security, vetting procedures and the future of Nigeria’s deradicalisation programme
By Bukar Goni – June 26, 2026
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Fresh controversy has erupted over Nigeria’s counter-insurgency and rehabilitation policy following allegations that 40 former Boko Haram insurgents, described as “repentant,” were shortlisted for recruitment into the Nigerian Army under the 91st Regular Recruits Intake (RRI 91).
According to multiple security sources, the individuals allegedly underwent medical screening at the 7 Division Military Hospital, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, as part of the ongoing recruitment exercise.
The claims, which had not been officially confirmed by the Nigerian Army at the time of filing this report, have sparked renewed debate over the balance between rehabilitation, reconciliation and national security.
A1NEWS International reports that the Nigerian Army had not issued an official response, while calls and messages to the Director of Army Public Relations were reportedly unanswered.
Sources Claim Former Insurgents Underwent Medical Screening
Military sources familiar with the recruitment exercise alleged that the candidates formed part of the 3,740 former Boko Haram members previously reintegrated into society by the Borno State Government under its deradicalisation programme.
One serving Army officer, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, claimed that the candidates were transported to the military medical facility for routine examinations.
According to the source, while some were reportedly declared medically unfit, others allegedly progressed to subsequent stages of the recruitment process.
The claims could not be independently verified.
Questions Raised Over Recruitment Requirements
Several military personnel interviewed questioned how the alleged candidates met the Nigerian Army’s established recruitment criteria.
The recruitment process ordinarily requires applicants to present documents including:
- Birth certificate or age declaration;
- Educational qualifications;
- Certificate of state of origin;
- Character attestation from recognised authorities; and
- Other identity verification documents.
Some officers alleged that many of the former insurgents may not possess the required educational qualifications or supporting documentation.
However, no documentary evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate those claims.
Security Personnel Express Operational Concerns
The reported development has reportedly generated anxiety among some serving soldiers engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East.
According to multiple security sources, some troops fear that integrating former insurgents into military structures or closely aligned security operations could expose sensitive operational information.
Some personnel argued that rebuilding trust remains difficult after years of violent conflict that claimed the lives of civilians and military officers.
They expressed concerns about possible intelligence leaks and operational compromise if adequate vetting mechanisms are not rigorously applied.
These views represent concerns expressed by unnamed security personnel and have not been officially endorsed by the Nigerian Army.
Background: Borno’s Deradicalisation Programme
The controversy comes shortly after the Borno State Government reintegrated another batch of former insurgents under its widely discussed “Borno Model” deradicalisation and rehabilitation initiative.
State authorities recently announced the reintegration of:
- 720 former insurgents;
- 992 spouses; and
- 2,050 children.
According to state officials, beneficiaries underwent months of psychological counselling, religious reorientation, vocational training, behavioural rehabilitation and skills acquisition before returning to their communities.
The programme forms part of the state’s non-kinetic approach to ending insurgency by encouraging defections from terrorist groups.
Government Defends Reintegration Strategy
Officials of the Borno State Government have consistently defended the rehabilitation initiative as an essential complement to military operations.
Retired Brigadier-General Abdullahi Ishaq, a member of the state’s Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Committee, previously stated that more than 350,000 individuals had reportedly left insurgent camps since the programme commenced in 2021.
He added that nearly 9,700 former insurgents and family members had been successfully reintegrated through multiple phases of the programme.
According to the state government, the initiative seeks to weaken insurgent recruitment, promote reconciliation and reduce long-term violence.
Critics Question Long-Term Security Risks
Despite official assurances, the deradicalisation programme has remained one of Nigeria’s most contentious security policies.
Victims of insurgent attacks, civil society organisations, security analysts and some military personnel have repeatedly questioned whether former insurgents can be fully rehabilitated.
Critics argue that stronger monitoring mechanisms, long-term surveillance and rigorous security vetting are necessary before former fighters assume any sensitive public responsibilities.
Some experts also caution that public confidence in security institutions could be undermined if transparent verification processes are not maintained.
Army Yet to Respond
As of the time of publication, the Nigerian Army had not officially confirmed or denied the allegations.
Efforts by media organisations to obtain clarification from military authorities were unsuccessful, with calls and text messages to the Army spokesperson reportedly receiving no response.
Should the Army issue an official statement, A1NEWS International will provide updates in line with its commitment to balanced and factual reporting.
The reported shortlisting of alleged former Boko Haram members for recruitment into the Nigerian Army has reignited difficult questions surrounding Nigeria’s deradicalisation strategy, post-conflict reconciliation and national security.
While rehabilitation remains an internationally recognised counter-extremism approach, security experts stress that transparency, strict background checks and public accountability are essential to maintaining confidence in both the reintegration programme and Nigeria’s armed forces.
The allegations underscore the delicate challenge facing policymakers as they seek to balance peacebuilding efforts with the imperative of safeguarding national security.
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