The Nigerian government has reportedly been involved in a secret ceasefire with Boko Haram that has lasted for the past three months, according to an investigation by The New Humanitarian and a report by Al Jazeera.
The reported truce, which has not been publicly announced by the Nigerian government, is said to have been in effect since June following negotiations that resulted in the release of 360 civilians abducted from Ngoshe village in Borno State.
According to The New Humanitarian, three people with contacts within Boko Haram, including some with links to senior members of the group, independently confirmed that the ceasefire had been in place since June and could be extended by another 40 days. Residents in communities around Ngoshe reportedly said attacks had stopped since the agreement took effect. (The New Humanitarian)
The 360 civilians were abducted in March during a Boko Haram attack on a nearby military base, according to the investigation. Their eventual release reportedly followed negotiations involving government representatives and intermediaries.
The New Humanitarian also reported allegations that the negotiations involved a payment of N5 billion, approximately $3.7 million, as ransom for the release of the abducted civilians. However, the Nigerian government has denied making such a payment. (The New Humanitarian)
The reported ceasefire does not involve Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a rival armed group that operates across northeastern Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region. Fighting between Boko Haram and ISWAP has reportedly continued.
The development is particularly significant because the Nigerian government has publicly maintained that it will not negotiate with Boko Haram, which is designated as a terrorist organisation. President Bola Tinubu has instead emphasised strengthening the military’s capacity to combat terrorism and banditry. (Al Jazeera)
Despite the government’s public position, The New Humanitarian reported that there have been repeated behind-the-scenes attempts to establish dialogue with Boko Haram. Security officials, diplomats and mediators cited in the investigation said previous ceasefire efforts had failed, including arrangements attempted between 2022 and 2023. (The New Humanitarian)
The latest reported truce has raised questions about whether it could develop into a broader peace process or remain a temporary tactical arrangement.
Conflict researcher Malik Samuel told The New Humanitarian that the ceasefire could simply benefit both sides temporarily without fundamentally changing the course of the conflict.
Al Jazeera said it was unable to independently verify the reported ceasefire or the alleged N5 billion payment. The New Humanitarian also said it contacted government, defence and army spokespeople for verification but received no response before publication. (Al Jazeera)
For now, the reported agreement remains an unconfirmed development, but if sustained, it could represent one of the most significant pauses in the 17-year Boko Haram conflict in northeastern Nigeria.
Post a Comment