Nigeria rules out ceasefire with Islamists, vows sustained military offensive

Nigeria's military on Thursday ruled out any ceasefire with ​Islamist groups Boko Haram and Islamic ‌State West Africa Province, adding it would press ahead with operations against insurgent and ​other armed groups.

Attacks by Boko Haram ​and ISWAP on military positions in ⁠northeastern Nigeria have surged in recent weeks ​despite years of military operations aimed at ​containing the 17-year-old insurgency in the region.

Speaking at an intelligence briefing in the capital Abuja, ​military spokesperson Major-General Samaila Uba said ​recent gains, including insurgents killed, suspects arrested and hostages ‌rescued, ⁠showed security forces were sustaining pressure on armed groups.

"I want to make it clear that there is nothing like ​a ceasefire ... ​considering the ⁠successes recorded across our operations, it is clear that we ​are not relenting," Uba said.

He ​also ⁠said Nigeria is in talks with neighbouring Sahel states that left the West ⁠African ​bloc ECOWAS on security ​and diplomatic cooperation.

By Camillus Eboh, Reuters