The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports of a secret ceasefire agreement between the Federal Government and Boko Haram insurgents, insisting that military operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other armed groups remain ongoing across Nigeria.

The military high command said it had not entered into any truce with Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) or other criminal groups, stressing that troops would continue to apply pressure on those threatening national security.

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The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, made the clarification during a joint security briefing in Abuja on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Uba said recent military operations, which resulted in the neutralisation of terrorists, arrests of suspects and rescue of kidnapped victims, demonstrated the Armed Forces’ continued commitment to tackling insecurity.

“On the issue of whether there is a ceasefire with Boko Haram, I want to make it clear that there is nothing like a ceasefire,” he said.

The denial follows reports alleging that the Federal Government had reached a secret ceasefire arrangement with the Boko Haram faction led by Bakura Doro.

The report, which cited three individuals said to have contacts among senior Boko Haram members, claimed that the agreement had been in place since June and contributed to relative calm in parts of the North-East for approximately three months.

It further suggested that the arrangement was expected to be extended.

However, Uba maintained that military operations were continuing against all armed groups, including kidnappers and other criminal elements operating across the country.

“Our operations are not limited to Boko Haram or ISWAP.

They also target kidnappers and other criminal elements who take up arms against innocent citizens,” he said.

He warned that individuals involved in criminal activities threatening the lives and security of Nigerians would face lawful military action or be brought to justice.

Addressing reports that insurgents were moving into areas where they had previously been less active, Uba said the development reflected the pressure exerted by ongoing military operations.

He explained that the Armed Forces were identifying locations where the insurgents might have relocated to prevent them from establishing new bases.

“The fact that some of them are leaving their former locations is a testimony to the successes of our operations.

However, I assure you that we are not taking the situation lightly, he said.

The defence spokesman also cited the recent neutralisation of a high-level terrorist in a forest area as evidence of the military’s determination to deny insurgents safe havens.

He added that recent adjustments to the Armed Forces’ order of battle, including the establishment of new formations, battalions and units, were designed to address security gaps and strengthen military presence in vulnerable locations.

According to him, the military would sustain its operations to prevent armed groups from expanding into other parts of the country.

Providing an account of recent military achievements, Uba disclosed that troops conducted 588 distinct security operations across the country in September and October.

He said the operations led to the neutralisation of 435 terrorists and bandits, including individuals identified as high-profile commanders: Ali Mandara, Abba Gajiri, Habu Ikkima, Nakif Yana Faruk, Commander Gogore and Abdussamad Ohida.

The troops also arrested 809 suspects, secured the voluntary surrender of 198 insurgents and rescued 717 kidnapped victims and other captives.

Among those rescued were 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Owerri, Imo State, and 11 individuals in Danko-Wasagu, Kebbi State.

Uba identified Buniyadi, Baga, Kukawa, Bittai and the Owo Forest as locations where troops recorded significant tactical breakthroughs, which he said had severely disrupted enemy networks.

He further disclosed that troops recovered 5,666 items, including arms, ammunition, explosives and improvised explosive devices, alongside other logistical assets.

The military said the recoveries were part of efforts to weaken the operational capabilities of terrorist and criminal groups.

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The DHQ reiterated its commitment to sustaining security operations nationwide, maintaining that the Armed Forces would continue working to prevent insurgents and other armed groups from establishing new footholds.