DHQ denies Boko Haram ceasefire, reports 435 killed

The Defence Headquarters has ruled out any ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province and other armed groups, saying troops will continue military operations against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits across the country.

The military’s denial comes amid reports of a secret truce between the Federal Government and a faction of Boko Haram led by Bakura Doro, which allegedly helped bring relative calm to parts of the North-East for about three months.

Speaking at a joint security briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Maj Gen Samaila Uba, insisted that no such agreement existed, pointing to recent military operations as evidence that the Armed Forces were sustaining pressure on the groups.

“On the issue of whether there is a ceasefire with Boko Haram, I want to make it clear that there is nothing like a ceasefire,” he said.

He added, “Considering the terrorists neutralised, suspects arrested, victims rescued and other successes recorded across our operations, it is clear that we are not relenting.”

Uba said the military’s campaign extended beyond Boko Haram and ISWAP to include kidnappers and other armed groups threatening citizens.

“Our operations are not limited to Boko Haram or ISWAP. They also target kidnappers and other criminal elements who take up arms against innocent citizens,” he said.

The defence spokesman disclosed that troops conducted 588 security operations in September and October, neutralising 435 terrorists and bandits during the period.

He said 809 suspects were arrested, while 198 insurgents surrendered voluntarily. Troops also rescued 717 kidnapped victims and captives.

Among those rescued were 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps in Owerri, Imo State, and 11 people in Danko-Wasagu, Kebbi State.

Uba listed some of the high-profile figures killed during the operations as Ali Mandara, Abba Gajiri, Habu Ikkima, Nakif Yana Faruk, Commander Gogore and Abdussamad Ohida.

He also said troops recovered 5,666 arms, ammunition, explosives and improvised explosive devices, alongside logistical assets.

Addressing reports that insurgents were moving into areas where they had previously been less active, Uba said the development showed the impact of military pressure but warned that the Armed Forces would not allow them to establish new bases.

“The fact that some of them are leaving their former locations is a testimony to the successes of our operations. However, I assure you that we are not taking the situation lightly,” he said.

He explained that troops were mapping areas where the insurgents might have relocated and taking preventive measures to stop them from gaining a foothold.

Uba also said recent changes to the Armed Forces’ order of battle, including the creation of new formations, battalions and units, were designed to close security gaps and strengthen military presence in vulnerable areas.

He maintained that the military would sustain its campaign against armed groups to prevent them from expanding into other parts of the country.