Boko Haram denies reports that it has reached a ceasefire with the Nigerian government and claims it has married off the more than 200 schoolgirls it kidnapped in April.
A video released to media Friday shows the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, denying reports of a truce. “We will not negotiate with anyone,” he said, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Shekau also described as “a lie” reports from the Nigerian government that Boko Haram agreed to release its captives.
“Anybody that said plans are underway for the release of the girls is just daydreaming,” he said, according to the New York Times. “They would not be returned.”
“All of them have accepted Islam and are now married,” he was quoted as saying. “Anybody that said plans are underway for the release of the girls is just daydreaming. They would not be returned.”
The video’s release dampens hopes from October when Nigeria’s government reported it was close to a deal to release the schoolgirls.
Government sources at the time expressed confidence they were on the verge of success, saying that they “believe we are talking to the right people.”
Boko Haram retains considerable territory in the northeast region of Nigeria.
