The Borno State Government has dismissed reports alleging that it sponsored former Boko Haram members for recruitment into the Nigerian Army, describing the claims as false.
The state’s Guidance and Counselling Board, which oversees recruitment support during military and paramilitary enlistment exercises, said neither the government nor the agency recommended any former insurgents for the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment.
The Executive Secretary of the board explained that all applicants independently register through the Nigerian Army’s online recruitment portal and that the board only becomes involved after the Army releases the list of shortlisted candidates.
He stated that the agency’s responsibility is limited to verifying the indigene status of applicants, checking their credentials and coordinating logistics for successful candidates throughout the recruitment process.
According to the board, 3,036 applicants from Borno State were initially shortlisted for the recruitment exercise, while 2,100 eventually appeared for screening. After identity verification, medical examinations, physical assessments and other screening procedures, only 732 candidates qualified for enlistment.
The official added that successful candidates have already begun moving to various military training depots across the country.
He further explained that representatives from each of Borno State’s 27 local government areas participate in verifying applicants’ identities to ensure only genuine indigenes proceed through the recruitment process. Candidates whose identities cannot be confirmed or who fail the required medical and physical standards are disqualified.
The board also denied having any record of the alleged list of 40 former insurgents reportedly shortlisted for enlistment, maintaining that it has no responsibility for rehabilitation or reintegration programmes involving former Boko Haram members.
According to the official, the agency remains focused on ensuring transparency throughout the recruitment exercise while helping qualified indigenes access opportunities in the military and other security services.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of reporting, despite requests for clarification on the authenticity of the claims circulating online.
