The Defence Headquarters has strongly dismissed reports suggesting that the Nigerian military has reached a ceasefire deal with Boko Haram terrorists. Military authorities stressed that armed offensives against insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements remain in full force across the country.
Speaking at a joint media briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, set the record straight on Thursday. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Uba said that recent successes on the battlefield clearly show that troops are not slowing down.
He pointed to the steady killing of combatants, the arrest of suspects, and the rescue of kidnap victims as direct evidence of ongoing operations. Uba stated plainly that there is nothing like a truce, reiterating that the armed forces will continue to mount intense pressure on armed groups to safeguard the lives of innocent Nigerians.
The defence spokesman explained that these security efforts are not limited solely to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters. He made it clear that kidnappers and other violent syndicates are also being targeted, warning that anyone who endangers national security will either face lawful elimination or be prosecuted.
Addressing reports that some terrorists are dispersing to other parts of Nigeria, Uba described the movement as proof that military operations have disrupted their traditional strongholds. However, he warned that security forces are already tracking possible relocation zones to prevent insurgents from creating new operational bases.
He highlighted the recent killing of a top insurgent commander in a forest hideout as confirmation that no safe havens exist for criminals. To further plug existing gaps, Uba said the military is actively restructuring its formations by setting up fresh battalions and specialized units.
Uba also revealed that a recent high-level meeting on the Multinational Joint Task Force reviewed the operational impact of several member nations withdrawing from ECOWAS. He confirmed that authorities have started carrying out key recommendations from that forum to strengthen regional border security.
