Negotiation Between Buhari and Boko Haram.

The talks between the Presidency and Boko Haram with a view to ending the carnage in the North-East have so far been carried out at an informal level, credible sources have told to Vanguard. President Muhammadu Buhari disclosed in France, Tuesday, that his administration was indeed negotiating with Boko Haram on how to end the violence, but did not disclose who government was discussing with. However, sources with knowledge of the issue, told Vanguard, yesterday, that some key elements of the sect were talking individually with the Presidency on how to achieve peace. The development, according to the sources, is coming following sustained military bombardment of Boko Haram havens. The source, which has been involved in previous negotiations between the government and the sect leadership, pointed out that there had not been any formal dialogue on a ceasefire with the Presidency. The source said: “It is true there has been an informal line of communication between the Presidency and the sect members, but the leadership has not mandated anyone on its behalf to begin discussions with the government. “Unlike before when the Department of State Services, DSS; office of National Security Adviser, NSA, and other agencies of the Presidency were all reaching out to even phantom groups and individuals claiming to be representing the sect and claiming non-existing peace, this President has not made any formal contact with the sect yet.”