A former commander of the dreaded Boko Haram insurgent group, Abdulkadir Abubakar has said that the two factions of the group may be ready to hold talks with the Federal Government.

Abubakar, who is also known as Abu Muhammad was the group’s chief intelligence officer and one of its top commanders until he was arrested by the Nigerian Military in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State in June this year.

While speaking to journalists from his cell in Maiduguri, Abubakar disclosed that the Mamman Nur and Albarnawi factions of Boko Haram were willing to dialogue and cooperate with the government to defeat the group’s most wanted leader, Abubakar Shekau.

He also claimed that Shekau, on whom the Nigerian government had issued a capture dead or alive order, was unwilling to surrender due to his high handedness and thirst for blood.

“Albarnawi has declared interest to dialogue with the government to end insurgency and provide a lasting solution to the crisis. Albarnawi discusses this with members of his circle and I can assure the government that he would cooperate to achieve peace.

He further added: “The two factions are willing to cooperate with the Nigerian government to defeat Shekau,”

Abubakar who also claimed to have been involved in various espionage and kidnap missions, expressed his willingness to assist the military with information that could lead to the decapitation of the insurgents and the arrest of Shekau.

“I am cooperating with the military and I am ready to provide information on the whereabouts of Shekau. Shekau has left the enclave in Sambisa and moved deep into the Mandara Mountains. I know the area where he is hiding and I am willing to provide a guide to the military. The intensified military offensive has weakened Shekau and that of the other groups,” he added.

He further revealed that the divisions within the ranks of the terrorist group were as a result of Shekau’s leadership style, cruelty and atrocities against humanity which were openly criticised by both Albarnawi and Mamman Nur and which eventually necessitated their parting ways with Shekau.