The Coordinator of the National Information Centre and Director-General of the National Orientation Agency in Abuja, Mike Omeri, has confirmed reports of a ceasefire between the Islamic militant group, Boko Haram, and the government of Nigeria.
The Coordinator of the National Information Centre and Director-General of the National Orientation Agency in Abuja, Mike Omeri, has confirmed reports of a ceasefire between the Islamic militant group, Boko Haram, and the government of Nigeria.
At a media briefing on Friday, he said that discussions centred on the general insecurity in the North East and the need to rescue all captives of the terrorists, including the students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok.
The militants, he said, indicated their desire for and willingness to discuss and resolve all associated issues, and also assured that the school girls and all others in their captivity are alive and well.
“Finally, this is to assure Nigerians that the greater goal of this process is to ensure the return of normalcy in the land, especially in parts of the country troubled by the activities of terrorists,” Mr. Omeri declared.
“President Jonathan’s commitment to peace and security in Nigeria and indeed, all parts of the world has been the driving force of all engagements and measures taken since the war on terror began in the country.”
TEXT OF THE MEDIA BRIEFING BY THE COORDINATOR, NATIONAL INFORMATION CENTRE (NIC)/DIRECTOR – GENERAL, NATIONAL ORIENTATION AGENCY (NOA), MIKE OMERI, OFR ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014 AT THE NATIONAL BRIEFING CENTRE, GARKI, ABUJA.
UPDATE ON THE WAR AGAINST TERROR IN THE COUNTRY
1. We can confirm to you that there have been contacts between the government and representatives of Boko Haram.
2. The discussions are essentially in relation to the general insecurity in the North East and also the need to rescue all captives of the terrorists, including the students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok.
3. From the discussions, they indicated their desire for and willingness to discuss and resolve all associated issues.
4. They also assured that the school girls and all other people in their captivity are all alive and well.
5. Already, the terrorists have announced a ceasefire in furtherance of their desire for peace. In this regard, the government of Nigeria has, in similar vein, declared a ceasefire.
6. Finally, this is to assure Nigerians that the greater goal of this process is to ensure the return of normalcy in the land, especially in parts of the country troubled by the activities of terrorists. President Jonathan’s commitment to peace and security in Nigeria and indeed, all parts of the world has been the driving force of all engagements and measures taken since the war on terror began in the country.