A review of Borno State budget performance documents by SaharaReporters shows that the state spent about ₦6 billion over an 18‑month period on rehabilitation and livelihood support for so‑called “repentant” Boko Harammembers — funds allocated to a disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programme intended to reintegrate former insurgents.
The documents indicate that ₦3.45 billion was spent between January and September 2024 out of a budgeted ₦3.46 billion, while a further ₦7.4 billion was earmarked for 2025. A separate performance report for the third quarter of 2025 shows that ₦2.6 billion was disbursed on “repentant Boko Haram members” between January and September 2025, with ₦758.1 million paid out between July and September alone.
Soldiers Raise Alarm Over Intelligence Leaks
Despite the financial investment in DDR and livelihood support, frontline soldiers serving in Yobe and Borno told SaharaReporters that integrating repentant fighters into operations has created serious security problems. According to several servicemen interviewed:
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Repentant fighters have allegedly leaked operational details — troop deployments, routine schedules and armoury locations — to their former commanders.
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One soldier said insurgents often knew Nigerian Army routines “before Boko Haram attack any military camp in the Northeast, they already know how we operate.”
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The alleged disclosures reportedly include the location of weapons and details of guard rotations, increasing soldiers’ vulnerability and, according to troops, contributing to successful attacks.
Soldiers described the policy of using repentant fighters in or around bases as a “deadly mistake” that continues to cost lives. The allegations underscore tensions between non‑kinetic reconciliation efforts and immediate battlefield security needs.
Governor Zulum: DDR Needed but Challenges Remain
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has defended a mixed approach of military and non‑kinetic measures, acknowledging both the scale of the DDR programme and ongoing security challenges. Zulum said the state has received more than 300,000 repentant fighters in recent years and noted that not all returnees are combatants — many are civilians, including farmers.
But he warned that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP remain capable of regrouping, citing recent activity around the Tumbus area of Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills near the Sambisa Forest. Zulum urged greater air support, more trained manpower and advanced technology — including attack helicopters, drones and anti‑drone equipment — to counter the evolving tactics of insurgents.
“If the Sahel is not secured, Nigeria will never be secured,” the governor told reporters, stressing the regional dimension of the threat and the need for international and regional cooperation.
Policy Tension: Reconciliation vs. Immediate Security
The Borno spending documents and soldiers’ testimonies highlight a policy dilemma faced by authorities across the Northeast: how to fund and run reintegration programmes that reduce the long‑term appeal of violent extremism while preventing short‑term security compromises that can lead to fresh attacks.
Proponents of DDR argue that livelihood support and community reintegration reduce recidivism and address root causes; critics — including some serving soldiers — argue that insufficient vetting and the operational use of repentant fighters risk exposing sensitive military information and undermining troop safety.
What the Documents Show (Key Figures)
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Total spent (18 months): ≈ ₦6.0 billion on rehabilitation of repentant fighters.
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Jan–Sep 2024: ₦3.45 billion spent of a ₦3.46 billion allocation.
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2025 appropriation: ₦7.4 billion earmarked for the year.
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Jan–Sep 2025 (Q1–Q3): ₦2.6 billion spent on “repentant Boko Haram members”; ₦758.1 million paid in July–September 2025 alone.
Outlook and Questions for Authorities
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How rigorous are vetting and monitoring procedures for repentant fighters receiving state support?
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What safeguards exist to prevent those reintegrated from accessing or passing on military intelligence?
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Will additional investment be made in air support, surveillance technology and troop strength as Borno officials have requested?
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How will the state balance short‑term force protection with longer‑term deradicalisation and rehabilitation goals?
Suggested Meta Description (SEO):
A SaharaReporters review shows Borno State spent about ₦6bn on rehabilitation of “repentant” Boko Haram members between 2024–2025. Frontline soldiers allege the policy has led to intelligence leaks and increased vulnerability; Governor Zulum calls for more air support and technology.
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Governor Babagana Zulum at a security briefing in Maiduguri — Borno has spent billions on DDR while soldiers warn of operational risks.
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