The Federal Government and the Boko Haram Islamist Terror group have agreed to sign a cease fire deal that may once and for all end hostilities in the Northern region of Nigeria.
Chairman, Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, said it had “reached an understanding” with the militant Islamic sect, Boko Haram, which would lead to the signing of a ceasefire deal with the group.
Turaki, who was speaking on the Hausa Service of Radio France International on Monday, .
however, said the panel had not signed an agreement with the terror group.
The Federal Government, had on April 4, set up the amnesty panel to work out ways of arresting the growing violence and killings in the North by the Boko Haram.
Part of the progress recorded by the committee was the recommendation that wives and children of Boko Haram members, who were detained by security agencies, be released unconditionally.
The committee had visited various prisons in the country, holding talks with detained sect’s leaders and members, some of who are currently facing trial.
The terms of reference of the committee are “to consider the feasibility or otherwise of granting pardon to the Boko Haram adherents,
“Collate clamours arising from different interest groups who want the apex government to administer clemency on members of the religious sect; and
“To recommend modalities for the granting of the pardon, should such step become the logical one to take under the prevailing circumstance.”
Meanwhile, the Joint Task Force (JTF), codenamed Operation Restore Order in Borno, has confirmed that the state chairman of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), Alhaji Mala Othman, is currently in custody, undergoing investigation over alleged sponsorship of Boko Haram.
It will be recalled that one week ago, the youth vigilance group, popularly called “Civilian JTF,” set ablaze his house in Maiduguri.
Spokesman of the JTF in Borno, Lieutenant-Colonel Sagir Musa, told newsmen in Maiduguri that Othman’s involvement in the activities of Boko Haram would be made known to the press when investigation was concluded.
Sagir also commended the efforts of citizens and residents of Borno State, particularly the vigilance group, for their determination to assist security agencies to stamp out terrorists from the state.
He said the JTF was aware of the fears and concerns of some members of the public with regards to the activities of youth vigilance group, adding that it was doing its best to ensure the youth were monitored, guided and regulated in such a way that they could impact positively in the fight against terrorism in the state.
In another development, JTF has taken over Bulabulin, Bayan Quarters and Ngaranam areas of Maiduguri metropolis with massive deployment of personnel and equipment in the areas.
Sagir said JTF had also dislodged the insurgents in the area and had recovered arms and ammunation, including four AK-47 rifles, seven empty magazines, four RPG launchers, three army camouflage and two tricycles.
In May, the Federal Government declared a state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states after the sect members carried out massive killings and bombings in Yobe and Borno states, including in Bama, where no fewer than 200 persons were reportedly killed.