By Stephen Simon
The Defence Headquarters has ruled out any ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province and other terrorist groups, insisting that military operations against insurgents will continue.
The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, stated this on Thursday during a joint security briefing in Abuja.
Uba dismissed suggestions that the Federal Government or the military had entered into an agreement to suspend hostilities with insurgent groups.
He said the Armed Forces remained committed to sustained operations against all armed groups threatening the country’s security.
The clarification followed reports of a possible secret ceasefire arrangement with a faction of Boko Haram led by Bakura Doro.
Uba said recent military operations had resulted in the killing of insurgents, arrests of suspects and the rescue of kidnapped victims, adding that the military would not abandon its campaign.
He also disclosed that Nigeria was engaging neighbouring Sahel countries on security and diplomatic cooperation.
The military’s position comes amid renewed attacks on military formations in the North-east, raising concerns about the continued capacity of insurgent groups to launch operations despite years of counter-insurgency campaigns.
Uba maintained that the military would sustain pressure on the groups until they were defeated or brought to justice.
