Nigeria and Boko Haram reportedly agree to secret ceasefire
The reported three-month truce followed the release of 360 villagers, but has not been independently verified and excludes rival group ISWAP.
The Nigerian government and Boko Haram have reportedly maintained a secret ceasefire since June, following negotiations linked to the release of 360 villagers abducted in the country’s north-east.
The New Humanitarian reported that three people with contacts among Boko Haram members, including senior figures, said the truce was likely to be extended by another 40 days. The villagers were reportedly abducted in March from Ngoshe during an attack on a nearby army base.
The reported negotiations allegedly involved a payment of five billion naira, or about $3.7 million. The Nigerian government denies paying a ransom. The New Humanitarian said government, defence and army spokespeople did not respond to requests for verification.
Al Jazeera, which reported the investigation, said it could not independently verify either the ceasefire or the alleged payment. The arrangement also does not include Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP, and fighting between the rival armed groups is continuing.
The reported truce comes despite Nigeria’s public rejection of negotiations with Boko Haram. President Bola Tinubu has instead focused on military expansion, including plans announced in July to recruit 30,000 additional personnel and establish four new army divisions.
A conflict researcher cited by The New Humanitarian cautioned that the arrangement may be temporary and tactical rather than the start of a lasting peace process. Two sources also warned that Boko Haram could use the pause to move equipment into the Mandara Mountains.
