admininstead recommend whether talks should be opened, an official said yesterday.
The secretary to the federal government, Anyim Pius Anyim, made the comments at the swearing in of the seven-member panel, but did not provide details on the change in the approach to the sect known as Boko Haram.
His office issued a statement at the weekend saying the panel’s duties would include acting “as a liaison between the federal government . . . and Boko Haram and to initiate negotiations with the sect.”
“This is not a negotiation team. It’s a fact-finding team. It’s a forum to identify a solution,” he said.
However, the panel appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan could recommend at the completion of its work to open negotiations with the sect, he said. It is required to submit its report to the government on or before August 16. The panel includes the ministers of labour, defence and the Federal Capital Territory, which encompasses Abuja.
The suggestion that the government should negotiate with the sect has long been controversial and officials have been careful in their approach to the question. – AFP.
Online Reporter
- Herald
- September 9, 2026
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