They expressed concerns about the grave consequences of admitting former terrorists into the military and warned that the move could erode trust within the ranks, demoralise soldiers in the hotbet of insurgency and hamper efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.
No fewer than 40 former Boko Haram terrorists are set to be absorbed into the Nigerian Army, a move that many now say only lends credence to the narrative that the nefarious crimes and heinous activities of the terrorists reek of state complicity, military saboteurs and elites’ protection.
The soon-to-be-recruited ‘repentant’ Boko Haram are said to have been shortlisted for recruitment into the Nigerian Army’s 91st Regular Recruits Intake.
The recruits are currently undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration in Borno State and have reportedly undergone medical screening at the Nigerian Army’s 7 Division Military Hospital in Maiduguri as part of the enlistment process.
The individuals were among thousands of former insurgents reintegrated into society under the Borno State government’s deradicalisation programme, military sources disclosed.
The move by the military top brass has sparked fears and concerns among serving military personnel.
Some serving officers questioned how the former insurgents met the recruitment requirements, which typically include educational qualifications, proof of age, certificates of origin, and other documentation.
They expressed concerns about the grave consequences of admitting former terrorists into the military and warned that the move could erode trust within the ranks, demoralise soldiers in the hotbed of insurgency and hamper efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.
The development comes amid disquiet and disaffection among troops over the reintegration programme. Some soldiers have repeatedly voiced discontent about working alongside rehabilitated former insurgents, citing fears of intelligence compromise, operational sabotage and lingering ties to active terrorist networks.
The Borno State government’s deradicalisation and reintegration initiative, launched as part of a wider non-kinetic strategy to combat insurgency, has seen thousands of former fighters and their families returned to communities after undergoing rehabilitation, counselling and vocational training.
The deradicalisation programme for terrorists and their reintegration into society have been heavily criticised and vehemently opposed by many Nigerians with many saying such a treatment of people who took up arms against the state and committed barbaric atrocities is counterproductive and would further worsen the security crisis the country is facing.
The decision has also sparked condemnation and outrage among Nigerians with former Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Babatunde Gbadamosi, calling it treason.
Another X user said the move to enlist Boko Haram members into the Nigerian Army only validates claims that the government is complicit in terrorism ravaging the country.
Another X user with the moniker Onuoha Lorenzo said the recruitment of Boko Haram members into the military is part of a broader strategy to demoralise the army.
Another X user described it as the single biggest security mistake in Nigeria’s history.
Another netizen questioned the rationale behind their recruitment and the transparency of the enlistment process
Another user asserted that the decision is a clear self-sabotage.
