The Nigerian Army on Tuesday insisted that it will continue to use
force until leaders of resurgent militant groups in the Niger Delta
region are arrested.

COAS, Lt. Gen. Tukur Burutai

It dismissed negotiation with the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers,
which has launched several attacks on oil installations and weakened
crude oil production in the region.

Represented by Brig.Gen. J. Hamakim, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen.
Tukur Burutai said this in Abuja while justifying the Army’s ongoing
onslaught in Gbaramatu, Delta State.

Hamakim while reacting claims that the Army has refused to explore
dialogue with militants said there was no sign that the Niger Delta
Avengers’ members were ready for talks.

According to Hamakim, “I quite agree that dialogue is very important.
But where it is not too obvious that the adversary is ready to come out
and talk, you can also force such a person.

“I think that is what the Nigerian Army is trying to do. Yes, we don’t
know the group’s leader, for now; that is the only option, possibly we
have to bring the people out to know who you can talk with.”

The representative of the army Chief stated that the activities of the
group has reduced the nation’s oil production to 1.1 million out of 2.2
million barrels per day.

And also, Hamakim denied the claim that soldiers who were involved in
the operations in Gbaramatu were killing innocent residents and raping
women.

“We have done our investigation and nothing like that is happening,” he said.