Full Breakdown
Secret Ceasefire with Boko Haram and New Military Leadership in Nigeria
9/9/2026, 9:57:56 PM
The Reported Truce
Investigations by *The New Humanitarian* indicate a covert cease-fire between the Nigerian government and the Bakura Doro faction of Boko Haram has been in effect since June 2024. The pause follows the release of 360 civilians abducted from Ngoshe village after a March attack on a nearby army base. Sources say the agreement may be extended for another 40 days. Two informants reported that attacks around Ngoshe have ceased, while a third warned the lull could allow the group to move equipment into the Mandara Mountains.
The cease-fire is linked to a payment of five billion naira (? $3.7 million). The government has publicly denied any ransom payment and has not confirmed the truce. The arrangement does not include the rival ISWAP, whose attacks have continued.
Background and Context
Boko Haram has waged an insurgency in northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region since 2009, fracturing into multiple factions after the death of leader Abubakar Shekau in 2021. The Bakura Doro faction, now led by Mr Doro, controls parts of the north-east and north-central. President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly stated that Boko Haram is a terrorist organisation with which the government will not negotiate, while simultaneously expanding the military: in July he announced recruitment of 30,000 additional soldiers and the creation of four new army divisions.
Previous attempts at dialogue, such as a “hudna” cease-fire in 2022-2023, collapsed amid internal opposition. The current truce emerges amid preparations for presidential elections scheduled for January 2027, where insecurity remains a central issue.
Timeline
- March 2024 – Boko Haram attacks an army base and abducts 360 villagers from Ngoshe.
- June 2024 – Negotiations lead to the release of the abductees; sources report a cease-fire beginning this month.
- June 4 2024 – Minister Mohammed Idris briefs that Operation Hadin Kai recorded significant gains, including neutralising more than 50 terrorists the previous week and eliminating roughly 1,000 terrorist elements in Q1 2026.
- September 9 2026 – The army announces the appointment of Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose as commander of Operation Hadin Kai, replacing Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.
Official Statements & Responses
Minister Mohammed Idris highlighted continued “significant gains” by troops under Operation Hadin Kai during the June 4 briefing.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga directed reporters to the Ministry of Defence and the Office of the National Security Adviser, without confirming the truce.
Defence spokesperson Samaila Uba asserted that the military does not support ransom payments and that its primary role remains “kinetic (combat) operations.”
Criticism & Opposition
Youth leader Samaila Kaigama alleged that the government paid the N5 billion ransom and implicated Senator Ali Ndume in facilitating the payment; Senator Ndume denied the claim and was later arrested by the State Security Service.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The army described the Ngoshe release as an “intelligence-led operation,” while multiple sources told *The New Humanitarian* that the hostages were freed through negotiations.
- The government maintains a policy against paying ransoms, yet several reports assert that a ransom was paid. No official confirmation has been provided.
- Government officials have not publicly acknowledged the cease-fire, and attempts to obtain comment from the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Defence spokesperson have gone unanswered.
What’s Next
Sources indicate the cease-fire could be extended for an additional 40 days, though no formal announcement has been made. The newly appointed commander of Operation Hadin Kai is expected to oversee intensified operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP ahead of the January 2027 elections.
