Fresh controversy has erupted in Borno State after revelations that the government spent N2.6 billion on the welfare of so-called “repentant” Boko Haram members within just nine months of 2025.
Diaspora Digital Media gathered that analysis of the Borno State budget performance document for the third quarter of 2025 showed that the payments were made under the category “livelihood support for repentant Boko Haram members.”
The report revealed that N758.1 million of the total was spent between July and September alone.
This comes at a time when critical public services in the state, including healthcare, remain severely underfunded.
According to the same document, the Borno Primary Healthcare Development Board spent only N2.076 billion out of its N8.7 billion capital expenditure allocation for the year.
Similarly, the Hospitals Management Board received a budget of N10.5 billion, yet only N1.2 billion was utilized as of the third quarter.
The figures have triggered public anger over what many see as misplaced priorities in a state still battling devastating attacks from Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
Earlier, Sahara Reporters had published an exclusive detailing how frontline soldiers in Borno and Yobe accused some “repentant” insurgents of betraying military operations.
The soldiers claimed these individuals leak sensitive operational details including troop movement and weapon storage to active terrorist cells.
One soldier alleged that the leaks often precede major Boko Haram attacks, leaving troops exposed.
“They tell them where our armoury is, our daily routine, and even when we stand guard,” he said.
Despite these alarming claims, the Borno State Government continues to invest billions in rehabilitation and reintegration programs for repentant fighters.
Governor Babagana Zulum has repeatedly defended the initiative, stating that over 300,000 repentant insurgents have surrendered in the last three years.
He has also acknowledged that not all of them were fighters, adding that some were farmers caught in the conflict.
However, Zulum has also warned that Boko Haram and ISWAP remain heavily supported by international networks, exploiting porous borders in the Sahel.
He stressed the need for the Nigerian military to acquire advanced air power, including attack drones and anti-drone systems, to counter the insurgents’ growing sophistication.
He said, “If the Sahel is not secured, Nigeria will never be secured. We need air support and modern weapons to end this crisis.”
Yet, critics argue that pouring billions into welfare for former fighters while hospitals, schools, and rural communities suffer defeats the purpose of rebuilding the state.
Many citizens are now questioning whether the “repentance program” has become a drain on public resources rather than a path to peace.