The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai says the Nigerian Army would never negotiate with bandits, insurgents and other criminals as a way of finding lasting solution to insecurity in the nation.
Buratai said this Wednesday at a news conference to mark the commencement of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2020 at the Army Special Super Camp, Faskari, Katsina State.
“Maybe when I drop the uniform, I may consider that but for now, it is not the military option,” he stated.
However, he said the Army has no choice but to support civilian authorities that wish to negotiate with criminal persons or groups.
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“As far as the Nigerian army is concerned, dialogue is not an option; it is not on our table; it is absolutely political decision.
“Some newspapers quoted me as saying that the troops should move into the bush and defeat them tactically; that is our mission and that is what we want to achieve. Anything short of that will only prolong the insecurity.
“So we are determined to deal with them in the bush or wherever they are, even in the town and cities. We will deal with them accordingly,” Buratai said.
Also, the Army chief described as a lie allegations that the military seldom responded to distress calls from communities affected by bandit attacks.
He said those promoting the narrative were trying to politicise the fight against insecurity.