The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports suggesting it intends to recruit repentant terrorists into its ranks.

This clarification was made by Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the North Central Zone, DIG Isyaku Mohammed, during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ilorin with officers of the Kwara State Police Command, traditional rulers, religious leaders and transport unions.

Mohammed urged community and religious leaders to refrain from endorsing individuals with questionable backgrounds, warning that those who sign recommendation letters for such persons would share responsibility for any consequences.

He stressed that the police would not admit individuals with criminal histories, including those claiming to have repented, into the force. According to him, while the military has implemented deradicalisation and reintegration programmes for former insurgents, the police remain focused on safeguarding the integrity of their institution.

Recounting his experience in the North-East, Mohammed noted that communities had resisted reintegrating former insurgents, citing unresolved grievances and lack of justice for victims.

“The police cannot accommodate such individuals. Our duty is to protect our system and ensure that criminals, whether repentant or not, do not gain entry,” he said.

His comments come amid reports that about 40 repentant Boko Haram members were allegedly shortlisted for the Nigerian Army’s 91st Regular Recruits Intake.

Mohammed also announced plans for a joint border patrol across Kwara State’s boundaries with Ekiti, Oyo, Kogi, Niger, and the Benin Republic to curb cross-border crimes.

He added that the Inspector General of Police has directed senior officers to engage with stakeholders across their zones to assess security challenges and strengthen community policing efforts nationwide.