No ceasefire deal, Shekau says in new video

Boko Haram has released a new video debunking ceasefire claims by the Nigerian government and dashing hopes of the release of the kidnapped schoolgirls, according to a new video obtained by AFP on Friday.

Abubakar Shekau, the Boko Haram leader ─ reported to have been killed by the Nigerian military at least twice ─ also disowned one Danladi Ahmadu who has been claiming to speak on behalf of the group in the last three weeks.

Ahmadu had announced that the Nigerian government was in negotiation with the group, and this was confirmed later by Alex Badeh, an air chief marshal and chief of defence staff, who said the Chibok girls would be released.

Government officials, including Reuben Abati, the presidential spokesman, confirmed the talks, while an official of the Chadian ministry of foreign affairs also told the media a truce was being negotiated.

However, Ahmad Salkida, a Nigerian journalist known to have links to the group had described ceasefire talks as “shadows and bubbles”.

Shekau said in the new video that the girls ─ thought to be 219 in total ─ had converted to Islam and had been married off.

He also indicated that there could no longer be any peace talks with the government, while confirming that the insurgents abducted a German in Adamawa state last July.

Shekau, dressed in military fatigues and boots with a black turban, and flanked by 15 armed fighters, said in Hausa: “We have not made ceasefire with anyone.

“We did not negotiate with anyone… It’s a lie. It’s a lie. We will not negotiate. What is our business with negotiation? Allah said we should not.”

He also said he did not know Ahmadu.

There was no indication of when or where the video was shot but it was obtained through the same channels as previous communications from the group, AFP reported.

In it, Shekau mentioned the Chibok girls for the first time since a video obtained on May 5, when more than 100 were shown in a rural location dressed in the hijab and reciting verses from the Quran.

The militant leader had said then that many of the girls had converted to Islam but in the latest claim, he indicated that all of those held had become Muslims.

“Don’t you know the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls have converted to Islam? They have now memorised two chapters of the Quran,” he said.

He had previously threatened to sell the girls as slave brides, although he also suggested he would be prepared to release them in exchange for Boko Haram prisoners in the initial video.

In the latest message, he said while laughing: “We have married them off. They are in their marital homes.”

His latest video will most likely fuel suspicion that the government is in discussion with a faction of the sect or a phantom group altogether.

Boko Haram has stepped up attacks in recent times, capturing Mubi, the second biggest town in Adamawa state, but Aminu Wali, foreign affairs minister, said the latest assaults were being carried out by rogue elements within the group.