Boko Haram denies reported ceasefire deal with Nigerian government

Boko Haram has officially denied reports that it reached a ceasefire agreement with the Nigerian government. In a video message, the group’s Sharia judge, Mallam Abdulrahman, dismissed the claims as “a lie” and accused the government of deceiving the public.

The denial follows reports suggesting a secret truce had been in effect since June with a faction led by Bakura Doro, also known as Abu Humaimah. This alleged agreement was reportedly linked to efforts to secure the release of over 300 civilians abducted from Borno State in March. Some reports further claimed the deal included a N5 billion ransom payment, an assertion the Nigerian government has denied.

While the group's leadership has rejected the truce, some sources suggest a small team may have agreed to the government's request without full authorization from the central leadership. The Nigerian presidency has declined to verify the existence of a deal, referring inquiries to the Ministry of Defence or the National Security Adviser.