Boko Haram Negotiator Denies Selling Abducted Nigerian Girls Videos To Foreign Media

Ahmad Salkida, the Maiduguri, Borno State-born journalist who reportedly has strong ties with the dreaded Boko Haram sect has denied reports that he is profiting from Boko Haram insurgency.


Speaking in an exclusive online chat on Thursday, June 5 Salkida expressed shock over reports making the rounds that he was selling Boko Haram's videos to foreign media.

Salkida said at no time had he traded exclusive Boko Haram videos for money.


“If I want to sell videos I would be a wealthy man because my sources can give me every single one of their videos,” Salkida, who refused to disclose his location, told our journalist via electronic mail.

He described the report as "junk journalism," adding that there were a lot of “media junks” flying around which is specifically targeted at bringing him down.

On his level of involvement in reported negotiations with the insurgents aimed at freeing the Chibok schoolgirls, Salkida said he would not want it to become a media affair.

“I’m not keen on taking my efforts to the media and I am not clarifying anything. I wish you all the best with your work. Goodluck once again,” the Boko Haram negotiator told our correspondent.

According to him, his contribution to finding a lasting solution to the Boko Haram insurgency cannot be paid for by any individual, group or government.

He added that restoring peace in northern Nigeria where he was raised, was utmost and dear to him beyond what his alleged detractors can imagine.

He, however noted that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the Federal Government comes up with a national security roadmap with clearly defined rules of engagement while expressing optimism that the Boko Haram insurgency can be significantly reduced.

Reports surfaced recently that Salkida, the only Nigerian journalist/civilian to have access to Boko Haram was flown in by the Nigerian government to act as negotiator between them and the Boko Haram extremists in the release of the abducted Chibok school girls who have been gone for close to 2 months.
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/67737.html