Borno Spends ₦2.6bn on “Repentant” Boko Haram Members Amid Soldiers’ Fears of Security Breaches
Akahi News gathered that a review of the Borno State government’s 2025 third-quarter budget performance report has revealed a massive expenditure of ₦2.6 billion on “livelihood support for repentant Boko Haram members” between January and September.
According to the official figures seen by Akahi News, a further ₦758.1 million was spent within the July–September quarter alone. The report highlights a sharp contrast between this spending and the limited investment in healthcare and other essential services across the state.
The Primary Healthcare Development Board reportedly received ₦2.076 billion out of its ₦8.7 billion allocation for the same period, while the Hospitals Management Board spent only ₦1.2 billion against a ₦10.5 billion appropriation.
Observers and analysts have described the disparity as a troubling indicator of misplaced priorities in a state still grappling with the devastating effects of insurgency, displacement, and inadequate medical facilities.
Soldiers Warn of Leaks from “Repentant” Insurgents
Beyond the financial revelations, Akahi News learnt that Nigerian soldiers deployed to Yobe and Borno States have raised fresh concerns over alleged leaks of military intelligence by some of the so-called “repentant” Boko Haram fighters.
According to frontline officers who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, certain ex-insurgents allegedly share sensitive operational details — including troop movement patterns, base routines, and weapon storage points — with their former commanders.
One soldier reportedly disclosed that these leaks often occur between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., coinciding with routine camp transitions. The informants allegedly provide details about armouries containing rifles, general-purpose machine guns (GPMGs), rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), PKTs, grenades, and explosives.
“These leaks make us extremely vulnerable. Some of these repentants still communicate with active Boko Haram cells. They know our bases and our weak hours,” a security source told Akahi News.
Rising Concerns Over the Reintegration Programme
The Borno government has, over the years, promoted the reintegration of ex-insurgents as part of a peacebuilding and stabilisation initiative. Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has consistently defended the strategy, arguing that reconciliation and rehabilitation are vital for long-term stability in the North-East.
However, Akahi News gathered that the persistent reports of security breaches, coupled with continuous insurgent attacks, have reignited debate over the programme’s sustainability and safety implications.
Many residents and stakeholders question whether billions of naira spent on deradicalisation and reintegration are yielding measurable results, especially as attacks on civilian communities and military formations continue.
Security experts told Akahi News that while the non-kinetic approach (dialogue, rehabilitation, and reintegration) is important, it should not overshadow core investments in military strength, intelligence, and humanitarian recovery.
Governor Zulum’s Warning on Renewed Insurgency
It will be recalled that in April 2025, Governor Zulum warned that Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters were regrouping around the Lake Chad Basin and Mandara Hills, raising fears of renewed offensives.
The governor disclosed that over 300,000 repentant insurgents had surrendered in the past three years but insisted that military manpower, aerial surveillance, and modern technology must be scaled up to prevent another escalation.
Zulum had called for the deployment of sophisticated drones, anti-drone systems, and a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic counterterrorism measures to address the evolving threat in the region.
Analysts Call for Accountability and Strategic Balance
Experts who spoke with Akahi News emphasised the need for greater transparency in how reintegration funds are utilised, noting that accountability and oversight must accompany every kobo spent in the name of peace.
They argue that while the initiative may have noble intentions, without strict monitoring, it risks emboldening former insurgents or creating opportunities for infiltration and intelligence compromise.
A defence analyst, speaking with Akahi News, remarked:
“Rehabilitation is essential, but not at the cost of national security. There should be a proper tracking system to verify true repentants and ensure they are not relaying information back to active cells.”
The Road Ahead for Borno State
As the debate continues, Akahi News gathered that many residents are growing increasingly uneasy about the rising number of “repentant” insurgents being absorbed into communities.
With the state still recovering from over a decade of insurgency that claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, balancing compassion with caution remains one of the biggest governance challenges facing Borno.
Observers believe that how the government handles reintegration, accountability, and security in the coming months could determine whether peace efforts yield lasting stability — or inadvertently sow the seeds of future crises.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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