The Nigerian government has reportedly been observing a secret ceasefire with Boko Haram for the past three months.
The truce was reportedly struck in June after negotiations that secured the release of 360 civilians abducted from Ngoshe village in Borno State.
The reported deal involves a Boko Haram faction led by Bakura Doro. It does not include ISWAP, a rival group that continues to fight.
Three sources with contacts among Boko Haram members told The New Humanitarian that the ceasefire has been in effect since June. The truce is reportedly expected to be extended by another 40 days.
Communities around Ngoshe say attacks have stopped.
The government publicly rejects talks with Boko Haram. But behind the scenes, there have been repeated attempts to establish dialogue.
The reported negotiations that led to the release of the 360 villagers included a payment of five billion naira by the Nigerian government. The government denies paying any ransom.
A youth leader who first alleged the ransom payment was arrested by the SSS.
If this ceasefire is real, it means the government is doing exactly what it says it will never do.
If it is not real, then someone is lying.
And if it is real, Nigerians deserve to know why their government is negotiating with the same people it calls terrorists.
How can a government claim it is fighting terrorism while reportedly negotiating with terrorists behind closed doors. And who is really benefitting from this secret truce