Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Bashir
Dalhatu, has called on the Federal Government to consider combining negotiation
with military force in tackling insecurity, saying the dual approach has
yielded results in other parts of the country.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme on
Friday, Dalhatu said an approach similar to the Niger Delta amnesty programme
could be explored in northern Nigeria.
He noted that many bandits lack basic opportunities such as
education and exposure to urban life, and urged the government to extend a
“hand of friendship” while maintaining strict penalties for criminal acts.
According to him, a fierce debate is ongoing in the North
between those who support a purely military response and those advocating
dialogue.
He said evidence suggests that a mix of the two strategies
has been effective in several instances.
Citing the Niger Delta amnesty programme, Dalhatu said the
initiative successfully rehabilitated militants by providing education and
reintegration support, adding that a similar model could be considered for the
North.
He stressed, however, that engagement must not be mistaken
for condoning crime.
He said: “Most of these bandits have not had the opportunity
to go to school, have not had the opportunity to actually enjoy what we
ordinarily do in the cities. And it’s just for government to probably, while
extending hands of friendship, but also making it quite clear that what they
are doing is illegal and criminal, and those that are caught in the process are
punished.”
Dalhatu acknowledged that security forces already combine
military operations with occasional negotiations, noting that recent government
efforts, backed by public support, have recorded some gains.
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