Boko Haram, one of the most violent and deadliest terrorist sect the world have known, has indicated that they are ready to lay down their weapons 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.
Boko Haram, since 2009, has been waging an insurgency against Nigeria and neighbouring countries. At the height of their deadly campaign, Boko Haram was in control of about 14 local government areas in Nigeria but the Nigerian Army then rallied and recaptured the territory.
Over recent months, Boko Haram influence is being curtailed with government troops invading its stronghold in Sambisa Forest, over-running its camps and freeing hostages. Just last week, Nigerian forces, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, found two of the captured pupils from Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, who were among the 219 abducted in April 2014.
Sensing that the end is near and running out of options, Boko Haram appears to now be suing for peace in exchange for immunity from prosecution and assurances that its members will not be killed. There are reports that Amir Muhammad Abdullahi, Boko Haram’s second in command, sent word to the government that they are prepared to negotiate surrender and release their remaining hostages.
According to 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.”
It would be recalled that Amina Ali Darsha Nkeki, who was found near Sambisa Forest last week, confirmed that only six of the Chibok girls had died in captivity.
