* Insecurity needs long-term planning to solve, says IBB
A former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd), has warned the Federal government against negotiating with the Boko Haram terrorists and armed bandits perpetrating atrocities in the country.
An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed and his Zamfara State counterpart, Bello Matawalle, had recently advised the government to enter into negotiations with the criminals to ensure lasting peace in the country.
However, Gen. Abubakar, who gave the warning when some members of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) led by the Chairman, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, visited him at his home in Minna, Niger State, said negotiations would encourage the criminals to wreck more havoc in the country.
He said: “Dialogue is not the best way but when you are the one wearing the shoe, what will you do? Our children have been abducted for over five days, even if you know where they are, it will be foolhardy to storm there and fight them because there may be casualties.
“Sometimes, there is a need to see the best way you can talk to these heartless people to see how you can get these people released. But dialogue is not the best way as it will embolden and encourage them to do more, knowing that you will always enter into dialogue with him.
“The law enforcement agencies need to work together to map out new strategies on how to deal with the problem.”
On his part, former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), says the security threats confronting Nigeria at this time can be dealt with but requires long-term planning.
General Babangida stated that the nation can overcome its security challenges if those in the position of authority plan appropriately.
He said quashing the threats posed by kidnappers, bandits and the insurgents require a lot of planning, adding that it is not a short-term venture.
IBB
IBB said he has obtained information suggesting that security agencies are working together to map out new strategies on how to deal with the situation.
The former president, while stating that he is concerned about the situation in the country, urged the government and the citizenry to join forces to overcome the problem.