The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports that the Federal Government or the military entered into a ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other criminal groups.
The Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, made the clarification during a joint security briefing in Abuja on Thursday, insisting that military operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other armed groups were ongoing.
Uba said reports of a secret truce with a Boko Haram faction allegedly led by Bakura Doro were unfounded. He maintained that troops would sustain pressure on criminal elements and continue operations across the country.
He said the military’s recent successes, including the neutralisation of terrorists, arrests of suspects and rescue of kidnapped victims, showed that the Armed Forces had not stopped their operations.
Uba also acknowledged reports that some insurgents were moving away from their former areas of operation, describing the development as an indication of the impact of military offensives. He, however, said the military was monitoring their movements to prevent them from establishing new bases.
According to him, troops conducted 588 security operations in September and October, neutralised 435 terrorists and bandits, arrested 809 suspects and secured the voluntary surrender of 198 insurgents.
He added that 717 kidnapped victims and other captives were rescued during the operations. Among those reportedly neutralised were several high-profile commanders, including Ali Mandara, Abba Gajiri, Habu Ikkima, Nakif Yana Faruk, Commander Gogore and Abdussamad Ohida.
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