The Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO) in Borno said on Monday it welcomed the ceasefire announcement by one Sheikh Mohammed Abdulaziz Ibn Idris, who said he represented the Boko Haram sect.
Ibn Idris had told a news conference in Maiduguri that the sect had directed all its members to lay down their arms and end hostilities forthwith.
He said the ceasefire took effect from Monday, Jan. 28.
“The ceasefire is a welcome development,” said Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, JTF spokesman.
“But be that as it may be, the JTF will still remain vigilant and continue to maintain law and order as well as to protect lives and property,” Musa said.
Also commenting in an interview with NAN, Mr Inuwa Bwala, the Borno Commissioner for Information, lauded the decision.
“The decision of the group to lay down its arms is a welcome development.
“We had also believed that the only way out of the mess created by the group’s violent campaign is through meaningful dialogue,” Bwala said.
During the news conference, Ibn Idris had also told journalists that the ceasefire order emanated from Sheikh Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the sect after series of discussions between the group and the government.
“Actually, the ceasefire message came through Sheikh Abubakar Idris from Bauchi,” he said.
Ibn Idris expressed optimism that the ceasefire would end the ongoing violent attacks and killings in the northern part of the country, especially Borno.
“Most of these killings are being perpetrated by individuals who hide under the cover of our name to commit atrocities.
“We will find a way of dealing with them after normalcy is restored,” he said.
Ibn Idris, however, admitted that the sect had witnessed factionalisation over the years.
“We are still the same group, although we have some minor divisions. By and large, we will achieve our aim of an immediate ceasefire in spite of the divisions,” he added.
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