A SaharaReporters’ review of the Borno State budget performance document for the third quarter of 2025 has shown that a total of N2.6 billion was spent on “repentant Boko Haram Members” between January and September, representing first to third quarter of the year.
The payments were listed under “livelihood support for Repentant Boko Haram Members.”
According to the document, N758.1 million of the amount was spent between July and September alone.
Meanwhile, Borno spent N2.076 billion on its Primary Healthcare Development Board Capital expenditure in the same period despite a budget of N8.7billion.
Only N1.2billion was spent on the capital expenditure of the “hospitals management board”, although N10.5billion was actual budget for the purpose for the 2025 fiscal year.
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that some frontline Nigerian soldiers fighting Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe and Borno states had accused government-backed “repentant” insurgents of leaking critical military strategies, positions, and weapon details to their former commanders.
The soldiers, currently serving in multiple bases across the Northeast, described the policy of integrating “repentant” Boko Haram members into military operations as a “deadly mistake that continues to cost lives.”
One of the personnel told SaharaReporters on Tuesday that the so-called repentant fighters routinely brief terrorist leaders about Nigerian Army movements and plans before major attacks.
“Before Boko Haram attack any military camp in the Northeast, they already know how we operate. These repentant fighters tell them everything,” the soldier revealed.
“They expose how many men we deploy at the gate or entrance, the kind of weapons we carry, even the daily routine in the camp.”
He added that the leaks had made many soldiers extremely vulnerable.
“They tell Boko Haram that every evening between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm, all soldiers must return to camp for what we call ‘stand 2’ — the period when we observe enemy movements. They also tell them where our armoury is located — where we keep rifles, GMPGs, RPGs, PKTs, hand grenades, and bombs.”
According to the soldier, the sabotage also extends to logistics and supplies.
While Borno State has been spending billions on livelihood support for “repentant” Boko Haram members, it has failed to curb persistent attacks on the state by the same sect.
Earlier in April, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum raised the alarm that Boko Haram terrorists were regrouping in the Tumbus area of Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills, both located within the Sambisa Forest.
While acknowledging the efforts of the military, he noted that challenges persist in effectively combating the escalating threat of terrorism, stressing that these must be urgently addressed.
He stated that while the Nigerian Army is pursuing kinetic measures, it should also consider non-kinetic approaches, which are equally important.
“Borno State has, within the last three years, received more than 300,000 repentant Boko Haram fighters, and not all of them are fighters. Some of them are farmers,” he noted.
“Manpower is very essential. While I’m aware of the constraints of the Nigerian Army—because right now, you are everywhere in Nigeria: the Northeast, Northwest, North Central, as well as southern Nigeria—I’m aware of your limitations.
“But still, considering the northeastern region, the Nigerian Army should look into the possibility of sending more trained manpower. There is a difference between Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandits.”
He also emphasized that ISWAP and Boko Haram are receiving international support.
“ISWAP and Boko Haram are terrorists getting support internationally, and looking at our porous borders, they remain infiltrated through the Sahel, which is our major problem.
“If the Sahel is not secured, Nigeria will never be secured. So, there is a need for us to fortify the security situation in the Sahel with a view to ending the crisis in the entire nation.”
“We need air support. I know the kind of constraints you face accessing fighter helicopters and others, but attack helicopters are very important in these areas, and drones are also very important.”
“The last attack that happened in Wulgo, carried out by ISWAP and Boko Haram — a confirmed statement said it was carried out with the support of armed drones. They hit the MNJTF with drones.”
“This is the time for the Nigerian military to rise again and procure sophisticated drones and anti-drone equipment so that we get rid of these problems.”
