General
Nigeria Rules Out Ceasefire With Boko Haram, ISWAP, Vows Sustained Military Offensive
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria military has ruled out any ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), saying operations against insurgents and other armed groups will continue.
A spokesperson, Major-General Samaila Uba, disclosed this on Thursday during an intelligence briefing in Abuja, saying the armed forces would sustain pressure on the groups despite renewed attacks on military formations in the North-East.
Mr Uba said recent military gains, including the killing of insurgents, arrests of suspects and rescue of hostages, demonstrated the effectiveness of ongoing operations.
“I want to make it clear that there is nothing like a ceasefire. Considering the successes recorded across our operations, it is clear that we are not relenting,” he said.
His remarks come amid renewed attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP on military positions in Borno and Yobe states in recent weeks, despite years of counter-insurgency operations.
The insurgency, which has lasted for about 17 years, has caused widespread displacement, destruction of communities and loss of lives across Nigeria’s North-East.
The military’s position signals its determination to sustain offensive operations against the insurgents rather than pursue a ceasefire arrangement.
Mr Uba also disclosed that Nigeria was holding discussions with neighbouring countries in the Sahel that withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), focusing on security and diplomatic cooperation.
The engagement comes as regional security challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism and cross-border criminal activities, continue to threaten stability across West Africa.
Nigeria has sustained military operations under various counter-insurgency campaigns to weaken Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups operating in the country.
The military said it remained committed to restoring security and preventing insurgents from reclaiming territories or establishing operational bases in affected communities.
