By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports that the Federal Government entered into a ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other criminal groups, insisting that military operations against terrorists, kidnappers and armed groups remain ongoing across the country.
Some media reports had claimed that the Federal Government reached a secret truce with the Bakura Doro-led faction of Boko Haram, which reportedly contributed to relative calm in parts of the North-East for about three months. The reports suggested that the agreement had been in effect since June and was expected to be extended.
However, speaking at a joint security briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, categorically denied the existence of any ceasefire agreement. “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.
Uba said the Armed Forces had continued to sustain pressure on terrorist groups, citing the number of insurgents neutralised, suspects arrested and kidnapped victims rescued during recent operations. He stressed that military operations were not restricted to Boko Haram and ISWAP but also targeted kidnappers and other armed criminal groups threatening national security.
On reports of insurgents relocating to previously less affected areas, the defence spokesman described the development as evidence of the impact of ongoing military offensives. He said troops were monitoring their movements, mapping out possible new locations and taking proactive measures to prevent them from establishing fresh operational bases.
He also cited the recent neutralisation of a high-level terrorist commander in a forest area as evidence that criminal elements would find no safe haven in the country. According to him, adjustments to the Armed Forces’ order of battle, including the establishment of new formations, battalions and units, were aimed at closing security gaps and strengthening military presence in vulnerable areas.
Providing an operational update, Uba said troops conducted 588 distinct security operations across the country in September and October, resulting in the neutralisation of 435 terrorists and bandits, including high-profile commanders identified as Ali Mandara, Abba Gajiri, Habu Ikkima, Nakif Yana Faruk, Commander Gogore and Abdussamad Ohida.
He added that the operations led to the arrest of 809 suspects, the voluntary surrender of 198 insurgents and the rescue of 717 kidnapped victims and other captives. Among those rescued were 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Owerri, Imo State, and 11 persons in Danko-Wasagu, Kebbi State.
The defence spokesman identified Buniyadi, Baga, Kukawa, Bittai and the Owo forest as locations where troops recorded significant tactical breakthroughs, disrupting terrorist networks and weakening their operational capabilities. He further disclosed that troops recovered 5,666 items, including arms, ammunition, explosives, improvised explosive devices and other logistical assets.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military is exploring diplomatic alternatives to engage neighbouring countries that have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as part of efforts to reposition the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and strengthen regional security cooperation.
Uba disclosed this at the same briefing, explaining that the initiative followed a high-level forum involving former and serving MNJTF force commanders, academics and other experts, who examined the future of the regional military coalition.
He said participants reviewed the task force’s achievements, identified operational gaps and considered strategies for improving its effectiveness, particularly in addressing the implications of the withdrawal of some countries from ECOWAS. The discussions also examined diplomatic options for sustaining cooperation with the affected countries.
According to him, the forum considered future projections and initiatives to strengthen the task force, adding that implementation of some proposals had already commenced. He expressed optimism that the engagement would produce positive results soon.
Uba reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to sustaining offensive operations across all theatres, assuring Nigerians that troops would continue to deny terrorists and other criminal groups freedom of action, dismantle their networks and prevent them from expanding their activities to other parts of the country.
