DHQ Denies Ceasefire with Boko Haram, ISWAP, Other Armed Groups

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied entering into any ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other criminal groups, reaffirming the military’s commitment to sustaining operations against armed groups across the country.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, made the clarification on Thursday during a joint security briefing in Abuja.

His statement followed reports alleging that the Federal Government had reached a secret ceasefire agreement with the Boko Haram faction led by Bakura Doro, resulting in relative calm in parts of the North-East for about three months.

The report, which cited three individuals with contacts among senior members of the insurgent group, claimed that the agreement had been in effect since June and was expected to be extended.

However, Uba dismissed the claims, insisting that the Armed Forces had not suspended operations against the insurgents.

“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 cited the number of terrorists neutralised, suspects arrested and kidnapped victims rescued during recent military operations as evidence that troops remained committed to their mandate.

The defence spokesman stressed that military operations extended beyond Boko Haram and ISWAP to include kidnappers and other armed criminal groups threatening the lives and security of Nigerians.

He warned that individuals involved in such activities would either be neutralised through lawful military operations or brought to justice.

Addressing reports of insurgents moving into areas where they had previously maintained limited presence, Uba described the development as an indication of the impact of ongoing military operations but assured that the military was monitoring the situation.

He said troops were identifying locations where the insurgents might have relocated to prevent them from establishing new bases.

Uba also disclosed that 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 update on operational achievements, he said troops conducted 588 security operations across the country in September and October.

During the period, 435 terrorists and bandits were neutralised, while 809 suspects were arrested. Another 198 insurgents voluntarily surrendered, and 717 kidnapped victims and captives were rescued.

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

He identified Buniyadi, Baga, Kukawa, Bittai and the Owo forest as locations where troops recorded significant tactical breakthroughs against armed groups.

The military also recovered 5,666 arms, ammunition, explosives and improvised explosive devices, alongside other logistical assets.

Uba said the Armed Forces would sustain the pressure on criminal groups and prevent them from expanding their activities into other parts of the country.