An independent Non-Governmental Organisation, Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has revealed that some members of Boko Haram have approached them with a view to dialogue and find ways to put an end to the insurgency ravaging the North-east region.
According to Sahara Reporters, the Executive Secretary of the Centre, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (rtd) said he and his team were already in the process of facilitating a meeting between the members and relevant government agencies.
He also applauded President Muhammadu Buhari declaration that his governemnt is willing to negotiate with the terrorist, saying the president’s stand is necessary in view of the fact that military option alone has failed to resolve the lingering crisis.
“The Centre however suggests that such dialogue should be done with every sense of caution and responsibility bearing in mind the previous disappointments that attended attempts at negotiations.
“Considering the unspeakable atrocities which the group has visited on Nigeria and Nigerians, this option is no doubt a hard sell. However, the recent statement by President Muhammadu Buhari on government’s readiness to negotiate with credible members of the sect has rekindled the hope for dialogue.
“The Centre views this gesture as good. It has opened a window of opportunity for dialogue for those insurgents that are willing and ready to lay down their arms. This position is predicated on calls made to this Centre by some members of the Boko Haram requesting for genuine and comprehensive dialogue that could lead to hundreds of them coming out to renounce their membership.
“Nevertheless, the Centre will continue to support and encourage all efforts towards bringing insurgency to an end in our country,” he stated.
“The Centre however suggests that such dialogue should be done with every sense of caution and responsibility bearing in mind the previous disappointments that attended attempts at negotiations.
“Considering the unspeakable atrocities which the group has visited on Nigeria and Nigerians, this option is no doubt a hard sell. However, the recent statement by President Muhammadu Buhari on government’s readiness to negotiate with credible members of the sect has rekindled the hope for dialogue.
“The Centre views this gesture as good. It has opened a window of opportunity for dialogue for those insurgents that are willing and ready to lay down their arms. This position is predicated on calls made to this Centre by some members of the Boko Haram requesting for genuine and comprehensive dialogue that could lead to hundreds of them coming out to renounce their membership.
“Nevertheless, the Centre will continue to support and encourage all efforts towards bringing insurgency to an end in our country,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, has claimed that direct involvement of its leadership in the front line operations had ensured more effective fight against the terrorists.
Yesterday, there were reports that the army had captured a Boko Haram commander and rescued 178 captivities in Bama axis, of Borno state.
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