The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly denied allegations of a secret ceasefire agreement with the insurgent groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). In a direct response to circulating reports, the military authority stated that no such truce exists, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining unrelenting military pressure against all criminal elements in the country.
The denial serves to clarify the current operational stance of the Nigerian military, which continues to view the conflict as an active security challenge rather than a situation resolved by diplomatic standstills. By explicitly rejecting the notion of a back-channel deal with these designated terrorist organizations, the DHQ aims to counter narratives suggesting a reduction in hostilities or a shift in strategic approach.
While the specific source of the reports regarding a secret ceasefire was not detailed in the initial statement, the DHQ’s response underscores the institution's policy of sustained engagement. The military has historically faced scrutiny regarding the pace and effectiveness of its counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast, where Boko Haram and ISWAP have carried out attacks for over a decade.
ISWAP, which splintered from Boko Haram in 2016, and the original Boko Haram faction remain significant security threats in the Lake Chad Basin region. The Nigerian government has consistently maintained that the fight against these groups requires a comprehensive military and security strategy, rather than temporary ceasefires that could be exploited for regrouping.
This clarification comes at a time when the Nigerian military is actively conducting operations to restore stability in affected areas. The DHQ’s statement reinforces the message that the state will not negotiate with groups responsible for widespread violence and instability, prioritizing the restoration of law and order through force when necessary.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>