Abuja: The Nigerian government has reportedly been engaged in a secret ceasefire arrangement with Boko Haram for the past three months, according to an investigation by The New Humanitarian, potentially marking an unusual pause in years of violence in northeastern Nigeria.
The reported truce comes amid a long-running insurgency that has devastated communities across Nigeria’s northeast, particularly in Borno State, and displaced millions of people over the years.
According to the investigation, the ceasefire has been operating largely away from public view. The development could represent one of the most significant interruptions in hostilities between Nigerian authorities and Boko Haram in recent years, although questions remain over its scope, enforcement and durability.
The reported agreement also raises concerns about what may have prompted the government to pursue a temporary halt in fighting and whether the arrangement involves direct negotiations with Boko Haram commanders or intermediaries.
Security analysts are likely to closely watch whether the reported lull translates into a sustained reduction in attacks or merely represents a temporary tactical pause.
The Nigerian government has yet to publicly confirm the reported three-month ceasefire, and the full details of the alleged arrangement remain unclear.
The development comes as Nigeria continues to battle multiple armed groups and militant factions in the northeast, making any potential reduction in Boko Haram violence strategically significant for the region.
If confirmed, the reported truce could open a new chapter in Nigeria’s protracted fight against insurgency—but its credibility will ultimately depend on whether attacks remain halted and whether both sides adhere to the arrangement.
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