Doubts are lingering over the announcement from Nigeria’s president that they have achieved a ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram and are negotiating to have the captive girls released.
Here’s a report from CNN:
The fate of more than 200 missing schoolgirls abducted by the insurgents six months ago remains unclear. Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade said their release is still being negotiated.
Boko Haram negotiators “assured that the schoolgirls and all other people in their captivity are all alive and well,” Mike Omeri, the government spokesman on the insurgency, told a news conference.
The chief of defense staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, announced the truce and ordered his troops to immediately comply with the agreement.
“Already, the terrorists have announced a cease-fire in furtherance of their desire for peace. In this regard, the government of Nigeria has, in similar vein, declared a cease-fire,” Omeri said.
There was no immediate word from Boko Haram, which limits its announcements almost exclusively to videos of its leader Abubakar Shekau.
I would refrain from celebrations until there’s confirmation from Boko Haram because it sounds like it might be an election year gimmick. Even if it’s true, would a ceasefire mean the Nigerian government will cede part of its territory to the terrorist group?
Sounds like Michelle Obama’s hashtag campaign didn’t do much to stop the bloodthirsty Islamist caliphate from expanding.