Secret three-month truce between Nigerian government and Boko Haram emerges

According to multiple contacts within Boko Haram, a clandestine cease-fire with the Nigerian government has been in effect since June, coinciding with the release of 360 villagers kidnapped from Ngoshe. The truce, confirmed by three sources familiar with senior insurgent figures, appears to have halted attacks in the surrounding area and may be extended for roughly another 40 days. Negotiations that led to the release allegedly involved a five-billion-naira payment, a claim the government has denied.

The agreement excludes the rival Islamic State West Africa Province, whose fighting with Boko Haram continues unabated. While President Bola Tinubu publicly dismisses negotiations, security officials and mediators have repeatedly sought dialogue behind the scenes. Analysts caution the pause may be tactical, allowing Boko Haram to regroup and move equipment into the Mandara Mountains. Verification from government or military spokespeople was not obtained before publication.