Buhari threatens to use force on militants

He said his administration’s aim to seek peaceful ways of resolving the grievances of the people of Niger Delta.

Buhari said “Recently, we flagged off the Clean-up of Ogoniland as part of the programmes to salvage the ravaged environment. We are convinced that undertaking such a monumental project will contribute to addressing the root causes of militancy in some parts of the Niger Delta region. However, for the avoidance of doubt let me state that other options are still open including decisive military action, if necessary, to deal with the criminal elements disguised in ethnic regalia to sabotage the country largely for their selfish and parochial interests. However, our priority, still remains constructive engagement of the stakeholders for peace.”

The President said this on Passing out Parade (POP) of cadets of the 63 regular course at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna on Saturday, October 8, 2016.

Buhari who specially congratulated the first set of female graduands, called on the military authorities to respect cultural sensitivities.

The President also said “Today’s Passing Out Parade has an added significance because, for the first time in 52 years, this Academy is graduating female cadets who will be commissioned as regular officers into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“While congratulating these soon-to-be pioneer female Regular Combatant officers for their courage and resilience in the past 5 years, I advise the Services to put in place adequate institutional mechanisms to evaluate the deployment or otherwise of our female officers in active combat roles. But we must be careful to carry public opinion with us and respect cultural sensitivities.”

President Buhari, while hosting the Imam of the Mosque of the Holy Prophet in Medina, Sheikh Abdul-Muhsin Muhammad Al-Qassimi, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, admitted that