Date: March 18, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
An investigative report has revealed that the Borno State Government of Nigeria spent approximately ₦7.7 billion on the rehabilitation and reintegration of “repentant” Boko Haram members within a 21-month period, raising fresh concerns amid ongoing insurgent attacks in Nigeria’s northeast.
According to a review of the state’s budgetary spending, the funds were allocated to programmes designed to support former insurgents through disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) initiatives. These programmes typically include vocational training, financial assistance, and other forms of livelihood support aimed at helping ex-fighters transition back into civilian life.
The revelation comes at a time when Boko Haram and its splinter groups, including ISWAP, continue to carry out attacks across Borno and neighbouring states, prompting questions about the effectiveness of the rehabilitation strategy.
Critics argue that the scale of spending appears disproportionate when compared to funding for critical sectors such as healthcare and infrastructure, particularly in a region still grappling with the humanitarian consequences of years of insurgency. Previous budget analyses have shown that billions of naira have consistently been channelled into supporting former militants, sometimes exceeding allocations to key public services.
Security concerns have also been raised by military sources, who allege that some “repentant” fighters have leaked sensitive operational information to active insurgents, potentially undermining counterterrorism efforts. While these claims remain controversial, they have fueled public skepticism about the reintegration programme.
Supporters of the initiative, however, maintain that non-military approaches are essential in addressing insurgency. They argue that providing economic opportunities and deradicalisation pathways for former fighters can reduce the likelihood of rejoining extremist groups and contribute to long-term stability in the region.
Borno State, which has been at the epicentre of Nigeria’s insurgency for over a decade, has received tens of thousands of surrendered fighters in recent years. Managing their reintegration remains one of the most complex challenges facing authorities, as communities continue to express fear and uncertainty about accepting former militants back into society.
Despite the billions spent, persistent attacks and insecurity suggest that the strategy’s outcomes remain mixed, with analysts calling for greater transparency, accountability, and evaluation of the programme’s effectiveness.
As Nigeria continues to battle insurgency in the northeast, the findings highlight a broader dilemma: balancing security concerns with rehabilitation efforts, while ensuring that public funds deliver measurable and lasting impact.