Borno Government Denies Funding Former Boko Haram Members’ Recruitment into Nigerian Army

The Borno State Government has rejected reports alleging that it sponsored former Boko Haram members to join the Nigerian Army.

A report had claimed that 40 former insurgents shortlisted for the Nigerian Army’s 91 Regular Recruit Intake were undergoing medical screening in Borno State.

However, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Guidance and Counselling Board, Mohammed Jimmeh, dismissed the allegation, saying neither the state government nor his agency sponsored or recommended any former insurgents for military recruitment.

Jimmeh explained that the board’s role is limited to verifying applicants’ indigeneship and supporting the recruitment process after the Nigerian Army releases its shortlist.

He said 3,036 candidates from Borno applied for the recruitment exercise, but only 732 successfully passed the screening stages, including identity checks, medical examinations, and physical assessments.

According to him, applicants are required to apply independently through the Nigerian Army’s official recruitment portal, and the board does not nominate candidates.

He added that the board has no records of rehabilitated or former insurgents and does not participate in any reintegration programme.

The Nigerian Army has not yet officially responded to claims about whether any former Boko Haram members were among those shortlisted.

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