The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has categorically denied any reports suggesting a ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram and other terrorist factions, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). This statement comes in response to recent claims that a secret truce had been established with a faction of Boko Haram led by Bakura Doro, which was said to have led to a period of relative calm in parts of the North-East region for approximately three months.

During a joint security briefing held in Abuja, Major General Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information, asserted that military operations against terrorist groups and kidnappers would persist unabated. He emphasized that there is no ceasefire in effect, stating, "On the issue of whether there is a ceasefire with Boko Haram, I want to make it clear that there is nothing like a ceasefire."

The military's denial comes amidst reports that the ceasefire had been active since June and was anticipated to be extended. However, Uba highlighted the ongoing successes of military operations, citing the neutralization of terrorists, arrests of suspects, and rescues of kidnapped victims as evidence of the military's commitment to combating these criminal elements.

Uba elaborated that the military's efforts are not solely focused on Boko Haram and ISWAP but also target various armed groups involved in kidnappings and other violent crimes against innocent citizens. He warned that anyone engaged in such criminal activities would face either elimination through military action or prosecution.

In addressing the recent movement of insurgents to previously less active regions, Uba interpreted this as a sign of the military's effective operations. He assured that the Armed Forces are actively identifying these new locations to prevent the establishment of new bases by the insurgents. "The fact that some of them are leaving their former locations is a testimony to the successes of our operations. However, I assure you that we are not taking the situation lightly," he stated.

The military has reported significant achievements in recent months, executing 588 distinct security operations in September and October alone. This has resulted in the neutralization of 435 terrorists and bandits, including several high-profile commanders. Additionally, the military has arrested 809 suspects, facilitated the voluntary surrender of 198 insurgents, and successfully liberated 717 kidnapped victims, including 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Owerri, Imo State.

Uba also noted that the military has made tactical breakthroughs in several locations, including Buniyadi, Baga, and Kukawa, which have severely disrupted enemy networks. Furthermore, the military has recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including 5,666 weapons and explosives, as part of its ongoing operations aimed at dismantling the operational capabilities of these terrorist groups.

The DHQ's firm stance against any notion of a ceasefire reflects its commitment to maintaining security and combating terrorism across Nigeria, as the military continues to adapt and strengthen its strategies in response to evolving threats.