President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna
on Saturday warned that decisive military
action was still an option to deal with
militancy in Niger Delta if militants
continued with sabotage.
The president gave the warning at the
Passing out Parade of 133 Cadets of 63rd
Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence
Academy (NDA).
Mr. Buhari, who expressed happiness that
the Boko Haram insurgency in the North
East was being defeated, however, noted
that militancy and other forms of emerging
threats, including kidnapping, were
negatively impacting the nation’s economy.
He said the clean-up of the Ogoniland was
one of the ways to deal with the root
causes of militancy in the region.
“However, for avoidance of doubt, let me
state that other options are still open,
including decisive military action.
“Today, criminal elements disguise in ethnic
regalia to sabotage the country, largely for
their selfish and parochial interests.
“I reiterate the call on all Nigerians to give
peace a chance and jettison negative
tendencies and join government’s efforts
aimed at addressing the numerous
challenges in the task of building a better
Nigeria,” Mr. Buhari said.
The president, however, added that his
administration would prioritise constructive
engagement of relevant parties in dialogue
to address issues.
On the insurgency in the North East, the
president said although his administration
“inherited a badly managed Boko Haram”,
the capacity of the insurgents to launch
attack had been “significantly curtailed.”
He also said that their capacity to take
territories had been knocked out, adding
that ongoing operations were to clear
remnants of the terrorists from their
hideouts.
The president charged the newly
commissioned officers to remain apolitical,
patriotic and loyal to the nation at all
times.
He reminded them that they no longer
belong to themselves, their parents,
families, tribes and villages but the nation
and be ready to pay the supreme sacrifice
if the need arises. (NAN)
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