A secret ceasefire between the government and Boko Haram is reportedly taking place in the country’s northeast. This truce may be the pause in fighting for three months according to a report by The New Humanitarian.
The reported agreement began in June after negotiations led to the release of 360 civilians taken from Ngoshe village near Nigeria’s border with Cameroon. Three individuals with ties to Boko Haram, including people connected to members confirmed that the ceasefire had started in June. Two of these sources said attacks had stopped in communities around Ngoshe, which had often been hit by the group.
The villagers were taken during an attack on a military base in March. The negotiations that freed them reportedly involved a payment of five billion naira— $3.7 million—from the Nigerian government. However government officials have denied making any payment.
The New Humanitarian said it could not get confirmation from government or military officials before publishing its story. Al Jazeera also said it could not independently verify either the ceasefire or the claim about the payment.
This arrangement does not include Islamic State West Africa Province, Boko Haram’s rival. Fighting between those two groups continues, according to reports.
The news comes as President Bola Tinubu says he opposes talks with Boko Haram and instead focuses on building up Nigeria’s strength.
Malik Samuel, a conflict researcher warned that this reported truce might be temporary. He said it could be a move rather, than the start of any real peace process.
