Chibok Girls: FG yet to accept Boko Haram’s dialogue offer

In spite of offer of dialogue, the federal government is yet to make up its mind on whether or not to go into fresh dialogue with Boko Haram.

Some representatives of the sect were said to be on standby for new talks with

plans to release two or three of the 219 missing Chibok girls.

Also, intelligence report indicated that pressure from troops in the North-East, Cameroon and Chad has displaced the sect from their strongholds.

It was gathered that as troops gained more grounds, they have been given a mandate to locate the whereabouts of the Chibok girls.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that although some representatives of Boko Haram had sneaked in and out of the country for preliminary talks with the federal government, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is being cautious.

Findings confirmed that the government has left only the facilitators of the new dialogue to discuss with the representatives of the sect while a profiling of the offer is being done by the government.

A top source said: “The government of President Buhari is yet to accept the new offer of dialogue from Boko Haram in order to avoid the pitfalls of the past.

“At the official level, no one has met with the representatives of the sect. This administration is not opposed to dialogue but it has to be cautious in its approach. Much money was wasted on the failed peace talks.

“At the end of the day, the sect and the facilitators benefited more from the failed project. So, it is not an issue government will rush into.

“While the President is not opposed to dialogue, security agencies are still conducting the profiling of those behind the latest talks, their ranking in Boko Haram hierarchy and the probability of the new deal. They only promised to release two or three of the girls.”

Another source, however, said the government believes the continuous attacks of soft targets by Boko Haram made the Buhari administration to be skeptical.

A security source said: “Members of the sect are not behaving as if they are ready for dialogue. In one breath they talk of dialogue but they continue to maim and kill many.

“I think the pressure from our troops, Cameroon and Chad has displaced the sect from their bases and camps. The sect is no doubt feeling the heat of the increased tempo of counter-insurgency.

“During the week, Boko Haram members engaged in reprisals in Northern Cameroon because they know the game is up.”

As at press time, it was learnt that troops have been given the mandate to “locate the whereabouts of the Chibok girls.”

“We believe Boko Haram leaders are using the girls as shield as they engage in make-shift life. But troops are now more determined because of far-reaching back up and new equipment. We are hopeful that we will locate the girls.”

The Executive Secretary of Centre for Crisis Communication, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, whose organisation is playing a facilitation role for the latest dialogue, said all options were still open.

He said: “On the possibility of negotiation as we intimated in the last briefing, the Centre wishes to state that nothing has changed so far and all options are still open.

“In any case, negotiation or not, we urge the military to continue in their operations until the mission is achieved.”

He also asked Nigerians to remain security conscious at all times.

He added: “The Centre has noted the resort to soft targets for bombing by some elements of the terrorist group using hapless young women and children.

“Seldom is direct confrontation between the insurgents and the troops are reported these days. What this means therefore is that the time now calls for more intelligence gathering and sharing by all and sundry.

“Citizens must remain security conscious and vigilant, especially in public places like markets, schools and worship centers and be able report any lead to the nearest security forces.”