Fresh reports reveal that the Borno State Government spent a staggering ₦2.6 billion between January and September 2025 on “livelihood support” for so-called repentant Boko Haram members.
According to the state’s third-quarter budget performance review, ₦758.1 million of the amount was disbursed between July and September alone.
However, while billions were spent on the rehabilitation of insurgents, the document shows limited health sector funding — with the Primary Healthcare Development Board receiving only ₦2.076 billion out of its ₦8.7 billion budget, and the Hospitals Management Board spending just ₦1.2 billion out of ₦10.5 billion.
Meanwhile, soldiers stationed in Yobe and Borno told SaharaReporters that some government-backed “repentant” insurgents have allegedly been leaking sensitive military information — including troop movements, armoury locations, and base alarm points — to active Boko Haram fighters.
One soldier disclosed that such leaks often happen between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., a vulnerable window when camps are less fortified. The leaks reportedly expose locations of rifles, GMPGs, RPGs, PKTs, grenades, and expl₩sives, endangering troops on the frontlines.
Despite billions spent on reintegration, Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks persist, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of the deradicalisation and reintegration programme.
Governor Babagana Zulum had earlier warned about Boko Haram regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills, noting that the state has received over 300,000 repentant fighters in the last three years.
He has repeatedly called for increased military manpower, air support, sophisticated drones, and anti-drone systems, urging a balance of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to curb the growing threat.
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