The Nigerian government and Boko Haram has signed a ceasefire agreement.

Peace and security may likely progressively return to Nigeria following a ceasefire agreement government and the Islamic sect Boko Haram signed over the weekend in Saudi Arabia.  The ceasefire agreement was announced by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh at the end of the two-day Coordinating Conference on Cameroon-Nigeria Trans-border Military Operations at the Defence Intelligence Headquarters in the Nigerian capital, Abuja on October 17, This Day newspaper reported.

 “Without any prejudice to the outcome of our three-day interactions and the conclusions of this forum, I wish to inform this audience that a ceasefire agreement has been concluded between the federal government of Nigeria and the Ahlul Sunna Li Daawa Wal Jihad”, the Chief of Defence Staff said and added that, “I have accordingly directed the service Chiefs to ensure immediate compliance with this development in the field.”

The Director of Defence Information Major General Chris Olukolade confirmed the signing of the ceasefire agreement  and stated that details and further clarifications would be made by the Presidency.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President in Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe said “The federal government has reached an agreement of a ceasefire with the leaders of the Boko Haram and in full compliance with this, has directed the military to respect the ceasefire.”

Okupe also raised hope that the kidnapped 219 Chibok school girls may be released next week when he said,  “The implementation of this ceasefire was signed today and further agreements on this deal, including the release of the kidnapped Chibok girls are part of this agreement. Discussions and negotiations started several months ago.”   

Without citing the names of officials who signed the agreement, he said “The entire agreement is being handled in utmost confidentiality and the Chadians involved are full of hope that the deal will work out and the details of this agreement will be fully complied with.”