Concern As ‘Repentant’ Boko Haram Fighters Make Army Recruitment List

At least 40 “repentant” Boko Haram insurgents have reportedly been shortlisted for the Nigerian Army’s 91st Regular Recruits Intake (RRI 91).

The Nigerian Army’s 2026 recruitment for the 91st Regular Recruits Intake (RRI) is actively underway.

However, multiple sources told Sahara Reporters that the shortlisted candidates were said to be part of the 3,740 repentant members of Boko Haram reintegrated into society by the Borno State government.

The security sources familiar with the recruitment process explained that 40 ex-Boko Haram fighters sponsored by the Borno State government underwent medical examinations on Wednesday at the Nigerian Army 7 Division Military Hospital, Maimalari Cantonment, in Maiduguri, as part of the screening process to join the Army.

“I can categorically confirm to you that the Borno State government brought forty repentant Boko Haram fighters who were shortlisted by the Army for their medical examinations during the week. Though some of them were rejected as not medically fit, most of them were screened to the next stage. It happened here at the 7 Division medical centre.

“It seems the repentant Boko Haram fighters are so special to the Borno State government. We are still surprised how they were shortlisted, because to join the Army, you need to provide documents such as a birth certificate or age declaration, educational certificates, a certificate of state of origin, and a recommendation letter or attestation from government officials, but these guys have none of this.

“You can’t recruit people who haven’t finished secondary school simply because you want to compensate them. We hope the Borno State government hasn’t provided them with fake certificates to force them in as soldiers,” a serving Army Major said.

Another officer, a Lieutenant, wondered how they were shortlisted in the first instance by the Nigerian Army.

“Yes, they all came for medicals this week, and this raises concern about the shortlisting process. It simply means convicted criminals can join the Army easily. They were all brought in by a bus provided by the Borno Government.”