TERRORIST sect Boko Haram has indicated that it is willing to lay down its arms and negotiate a truce with the government involving the release of its remaining hostages so long as it is not betrayed or its members killed by the military.
Since 2009, Boko Haram has been fighting an insurgency against Nigeria but over recent years, things escalated significantly with the group not only detonating bombs nationwide by also seizing territory. At one stage last year, Boko Haram controlled 14 local government areas in Nigeria but the Nigerian Army then rallied and recaptured the territory.
Over recent months, Boko Haram has been on the back foot with government troops invading its stronghold in Sambisa Forest, over-running its camps and freeing hostages. Last week, government forces found two of the captured pupils from Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, who were among the 219 abducted in April 2014.
Apparently aware that the end is nigh, Boko Haram appears to now be suing for peace in exchange for immunity from prosecution and assurances that its members will not be killed. Amir Muhammad Abdullahi, reported to be Boko Haram's second in command, is said to have sent word to the government that they are prepared to negotiate surrender and release their remaining hostages.
Amir Abdullahi said: “We want to surrender because things are getting worse. No side was winning the battle and only a third of the Chibok girls remained as the rest have been martyred."
Amina Ali who was found near Sambisa Forest last week, said, however, than only six of the Chibok girls had died in captivity. Bring Back Our Girls campaign group, spokesman Jeff Okoroafor said that the body would stand by the report from Amina Ali as they were not aware of the latest report that only a third of the Chibok girls were alive.
“We stand by Amina’s report. Until we get some more concrete and verifiable, we will hold on to what she has said that only six of the girls have died and others are still alive,” Mr Okoroafor added.
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