Nigeria’s military has ruled out negotiating a ceasefire with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), vowing to intensify operations against armed groups despite a recent surge in attacks on military positions in the country’s northeast.
Military spokesperson Major-General Samaila Uba said on Thursday that security forces would maintain their offensive against insurgents and other armed groups, dismissing any possibility of suspending military operations.
Speaking during an intelligence briefing in Abuja, Uba said recent operations had resulted in the deaths of insurgents, the arrest of suspects and the rescue of hostages.
He said the military’s achievements demonstrated its determination to sustain pressure on armed groups and prevent them from expanding their operations.
The announcement comes amid renewed attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP on military installations across northeastern Nigeria, raising concerns over the effectiveness of years of counterinsurgency operations.
Despite sustained military campaigns, the two groups remain active in the region, where an insurgency that began 17 years ago continues to pose a major security challenge.
Uba insisted that the military would not abandon its offensive, arguing that recent operational successes reinforced the need to maintain pressure on insurgent networks.
The military spokesperson also confirmed that Nigeria was holding discussions with neighbouring Sahel countries that recently withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He said the talks focused on strengthening security and diplomatic cooperation, as regional governments seek to address cross-border threats and the continued activities of armed groups.
Nigeria’s latest position signals that military operations will remain central to its counterinsurgency strategy, even as attacks against security forces continue in the northeast.
