EXCLUSIVE: ‘Repentant’ Boko Haram Members Leak Army Movements, Armoury Details To Terrorists — Soldiers Allege

Some Nigerian soldiers fighting Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe and Borno States have accused government-backed “repentant” insurgents of leaking critical military information—including troop movements, armoury details, and logistics—to their former commanders.

The soldiers, currently serving in multiple bases across the Northeast, told SaharaReporters that integrating “repentant” Boko Haram members into military operations was a “deadly mistake that continues to cost lives.”

“Before Boko Haram attacks any military camp in the Northeast, they already know how we operate. These repentant fighters tell them everything,” one soldier revealed.
“They expose how many men we deploy, the weapons we carry, and even our daily routines in the camp.”

According to the soldiers, the informants reveal critical security details such as patrol schedules, armoury locations, and troop movements during “stand 2”—the evening period dedicated to monitoring enemy activities.

“They even tell Boko Haram where our armoury is located—where we keep rifles, GMPGs, RPGs, PKTs, hand grenades, and bombs,” another soldier said. “They also disclose when our monthly food supplies arrive, so the terrorists can cart away food during attacks to starve us.”

The sources allege that without such insider leaks, most Boko Haram attacks would fail.

“If the terrorists don’t get this information, many of them wouldn’t succeed or even return alive. But once they know our strength and plans, they strike with deadly precision,” a frontline soldier explained.

These revelations come amid growing discontent among Nigerian troops, who describe the collaboration between the army and ex-insurgents as a “dangerous alliance.”

As SaharaReporters previously reported, many soldiers have expressed anger over being ordered to share intelligence, patrols, and even barracks with former Boko Haram fighters who surrendered under government amnesty programmes.

“These people killed our colleagues and civilians. Then one day they say they have surrendered, and the government forgives them just like that. Now we’re forced to work with them—it doesn’t make sense,” another soldier said.

Sources further disclosed that some of these ex-fighters receive motorcycles, stipends, and even military uniforms from the Yobe and Borno State Governments, allegedly to assist in counter-insurgency operations.

“They’re paid salaries and fed whatever we eat in the camp,” one soldier revealed. “Only our senior officers know their exact numbers. We don’t trust them, but our commanders insist we must work with them.”

The Nigerian government’s deradicalisation and reintegration policy has long been controversial.

In 2024, SaharaReporters exposed how 13 “repentant” Boko Haram members escaped with motorcycles and weapons supplied by the Borno State Government during a reintegration exercise. That same year, the government claimed to have reintegrated 8,490 former insurgents through its “Borno Model” rehabilitation scheme.

Despite these assurances, soldiers warn that the policy is undermining security efforts and costing innocent lives.

“It’s like inviting the enemy into your camp,” one soldier concluded.

Source: SaharaReporters