Boko Haram have approached us for negotiation –Presidency

The group of insurgents are also said to have told the Nigerian government that they had been appointed to start talks towards reaching a peace deal.

Boko Haram insurgents

The disclosure was made by President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, according to Reuters.

  Presidential media aide, Garba Shehu
(Channels TV)

Shehu said:

“A faction of the Boko Haram group came forward claiming to have the mandate to negotiate with the government.”

play Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau with some of his fighters
(AFP)

“It is now left for them to show proof that they have the mandate, but they made it clear that they are representing a faction of Boko Haram that wants peace.”

  The sect leader Abubakar Shekau, flanked by his subordinates.
(Sun News

Shehu said further that efforts are currently under way to "verify their claims" of having such authority.

  President Muhammadu Buhari
(Aljazeera)

Buhari had earlier said that he would negotiate with Boko Haram if it could be proven that those involved in the deal were the legitimate leaders of the sect.