Nigerian Military Denies Claims of Terrorist Recruitment

The Nigerian Military, through the Defence Headquarters, has officially dismissed claims suggesting that former terrorists are being secretly recruited into the army. Brigadier General Yusuf Alli addressed these concerns in Abuja, stating that individuals with a violent background are not eligible for enlistment.

The military insists that it adheres to strict recruitment standards and cannot compromise these rules, particularly in the fight against terrorism. The claims were described as baseless, especially in light of the military's rehabilitation program for former insurgents, which began around 2015 during the peak of the Boko Haram crisis.

This program involves careful screening of individuals, focusing on those classified as low-risk. The military clarified that anyone with a criminal record is automatically disqualified from applying across security agencies.

The approach combines justice and rehabilitation, ensuring that those who have undergone the program can reintegrate into society as productive citizens.