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Nigeria: Boko Haram militants declare a ceasefire
Shekau denied claims by the government that behind-the-scenes peace talks were being held in October last year, but he has remained silent since Abdulazeez made contact with press in November.
The timing of the alleged ceasefire is likely to be seen as odd given Nigeria’s involvement in military efforts to dislodge al-Qaeda linked militants in Mali, with whom Boko Haram are known to have links. Nigeria’s participation in Mali was expected to provoke a violent backlash from Boko Haram.
“We have adopted this measure as a result of the hardship women and children are subjected to, and I urge all members to abide by this directive,” Abdulazeez’s statement said.
“I urge law enforcement agencies to reciprocate this good gesture,” it added.
There was no immediate comment from Nigerian security forces.
Even if Abdulazeez does not represent Shekau, his statement could add to evidence that military pressure has fragmented Boko Haram, which is now believed to consist of various splinter groups more or less extreme than Shekau’s main faction, including ones who have trained with al-Qaeda’s Saharan wing.
Abdulazeez’s statement said any attacks from now on would be the work of “armed robbers and other criminals”.
