FG Reportedly Enters Secret Ceasefire with Boko Haram Faction, Denies N5bn Ransom Payment

The Nigerian government has reportedly entered into a secret ceasefire agreement with the Bakura Doro faction of Boko Haram, a development that has kept parts of northeastern Nigeria relatively calm for the past three months, according to a report by The New Humanitarian, as cited by Premium Times. The reported truce has been in effect since June and is expected to be extended, and is linked to efforts to secure the release of over 300 civilians abducted in March from Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Bakura Doro is believed to be currently based in a Lake Chad island, taking advantage of the weak security presence in the area. The Boko Haram faction led by Doro succeeded Abubakar Shekau, who was killed in a 2021 infighting with rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). There are currently about three factions of Boko Haram spread across the North-east and North-central Nigeria, with two believed to be based in the North-east led by Ali Ngulde and Alhai Kale, and the one in the North-central led by Mallam Sadiku.

The ceasefire arrangement was reportedly linked to negotiations over the release of the Ngoshe captives. After spending about 95 days in captivity, the victims were released following what the government described as an intelligence-led operation by a combined force of Operation Hadin Kai and the State Security Service (SSS). However, sources cited by The New Humanitarian said the hostages were freed in June after negotiations involving government representatives, intermediaries and the insurgents. The report also alleged that the agreement included a ransom payment of N5 billion, a claim the government has denied.

READ MORE: FG Moves to Fix Benin-Asaba Highway After Years of Neglect, But Nigerians Ask What Took So Long

Samaila Kaigama, a youth leader in Borno, was the first to allege that the government paid ransom to free the Ngoshe captives. He alleged that a N5 billion ransom was paid and linked Senator Ali Ndume to the ransom facilitation, a claim the senator rejected. Mr Kaigama has since been arrested by the SSS and arraigned in court. A recent report by the SBM Intelligence also stated that a N5 billion ransom was paid for the release of the Ngoshe captives.

When contacted by Premium Times, Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga directed enquiries to the Ministry of Defence or the Office of the National Security Adviser. The Defence Headquarters has declined to comment on the allegations. Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Mike Onoja, also declined to comment on the report. The Federal Government has consistently denied the allegation of paying a ransom.

The reported ceasefire is with the Bakura Doro faction of Boko Haram and does not involve ISWAP, a rival group, which means military operations against ISWAP are expected to continue. Security analyst Zagazola Makama has warned that the ceasefire could be counterproductive, as it could allow Boko Haram to regroup, rearm, and launch fresh attacks once the truce ends. This development comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s nearly two-decade battle against the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast, a conflict that has killed thousands of people and displaced millions.

About The Author

West Africa Weekly

author

See author's posts