Nigeria reportedly maintains secret ceasefire with Boko Haram

The Nigerian government has reportedly entered into a secret three-month ceasefire with the Boko Haram faction led by Bakura Doro. According to investigations by The New Humanitarian, the truce has been in effect since June and may be extended for an additional 40 days.

The reported agreement followed the release of approximately 360 civilians who were abducted in March from the village of Ngoshe in Borno State. While the Nigerian government maintains that the captives were freed through intelligence-led operations, sources claim the release was secured through negotiations involving intermediaries and a ransom payment of five billion naira ($3.7 million).

The Nigerian government has publicly denied paying any ransom and has officially rejected negotiations with Boko Haram, which is designated as a terrorist organization. The reported ceasefire does not include the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a rival group; fighting between Boko Haram and ISWAP continues in the Lake Chad region.