Nigeria not using force-based approach on insurgents, Abati tells U.S.

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The presidential spokesman said this at a press conference in Abuja.

The Presidency on Friday refuted a statement credited to the U.S. Embassy that Government was adopting a force-based approach in addressing the current security problem in Nigeria.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, stated this in an interview with State House correspondents in Abuja on Friday.

“It is not true that the administration is adopting a force-based approach. The approach to the insurgencies by the government has many dimensions.

“One of those dimensions is the consideration of the option of dialogue and what has become known as amnesty.

“Beyond that also, the government is working with State Governments in the affected areas to ensure the security of lives and property, protection of the civilian population, human capital development and stability,’’ he said.

Mr. Abati said that investigations were going on, regarding the incidents in Baga and Bama in Borno, Nassarawa State and other places as directed by the president.

He said the president had also openly declared that he would encourage independent investigations by the National Human Rights Commission into the incidents.

The spokesman reminded the embassy that as a concerned leader, the president had to cut short his trip to South Africa and cancel his planned state visit to Namibia to personally oversee the security situation in the country.

“Today, President Jonathan has hosted an emergency meeting of the National Security Council where he received further briefings from security chiefs.

“He has also made it clear that apart from the investigations, where there has been any case of misconduct, the persons involved will be brought to justice.

“There is no issue, therefore, as to the fact that the government will ensure accountability and the protection of the civilian population from terrorist attacks.’’

Abati reiterated the determination of the government to reducing the population of persons who could be recruited for evil purposes, through human capital development initiatives.

(NAN)

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