Minister Of Defence Unveils FG’s Stance On Community Dialogues With Bandits

In a recent statement, the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, emphasized the government’s position regarding communities engaging in dialogues with bandits or terrorists. Abubakar acknowledged that if communities chose to initiate dialogues with these groups, the Federal Government would not rush to condemn such people-driven initiatives.

However, he clarified that the Federal Government had not officially authorized anyone or any group to negotiate with terrorists on its behalf, specifically addressing concerns related to the abduction of female students from the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State had previously accused the Federal Government of engaging in secret negotiations with the Zamfara terrorists to secure the release of the abducted schoolgirls. Abubakar, in response, accused the governor of politicizing the matter and categorically denied these allegations, stating that no individual or group had been mandated by the Ministry to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government.

The Minister expressed deep sympathy for the parents, the academic community, and the citizens of Zamfara State in light of the tragic abduction. He assured the public that the Federal Government was actively pursuing all available avenues to secure the release of the abducted students and others held captive.

Abubakar also highlighted the government’s commitment to exploring peaceful resolutions to conflicts, acknowledging that if communities decided to engage in dialogue as a means to quell unrest, the Federal Government would not hastily condemn such initiatives.

In closing, the Minister reiterated the government’s determination to address the ongoing challenges posed by banditry, kidnapping, and various forms of criminality. He revealed that President Bola Tinubu had issued directives to the military and other security agencies to prioritize the release of those abducted. Notably, Abubakar mentioned that these efforts had already yielded results, with 13 abducted students and 3 others being rescued through the professional efforts of the Military on Monday, January 25, 2023.