The Nigerian military has ruled out any ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), insisting that offensive operations against insurgents and other armed groups will continue.
The military spokesperson, Major-General Samaila Uba, stated this on Thursday during an intelligence briefing in Abuja, saying the armed forces would maintain pressure on the groups despite renewed attacks on military formations in the North-East.
Uba said recent operational successes, including the elimination of insurgents, arrest of suspects and rescue of hostages, demonstrated the effectiveness of ongoing military campaigns.
He stressed that the military had no plans to suspend its operations, adding that the successes recorded so far showed that the armed forces remained committed to defeating the insurgents.
His remarks come amid renewed attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP on military positions in Borno and Yobe states in recent weeks, despite years of sustained counter-insurgency operations.
The insurgency, which has lasted for about 17 years, has resulted in widespread displacement, destruction of communities and loss of lives across Nigeria’s North-East.
The military’s latest position reinforces its determination to sustain offensive operations rather than pursue any ceasefire arrangement with the insurgent groups.
Uba also disclosed that Nigeria was engaging neighbouring countries in the Sahel that withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with discussions focusing on security and diplomatic cooperation.
The engagement comes amid growing regional security concerns, including terrorism, violent extremism and cross-border criminal activities threatening stability across West Africa.
Nigeria has continued to conduct military operations under various counter-insurgency campaigns aimed at weakening Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups operating within the country.
The military reiterated its commitment to restoring security in affected communities and preventing insurgents from reclaiming territories or establishing operational bases.
