By: Ojay Matthew
Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Bashir Dalhatu, has urged the Federal Government to adopt a dual strategy of dialogue and military action in addressing insecurity in northern Nigeria. Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, Dalhatu said combining negotiation with force has proven effective in other regions of the country.
He suggested that the government consider a model similar to the Niger Delta amnesty programme, which provided rehabilitation, education, and reintegration support to militants. According to him, many bandits in the North lack access to education and have never experienced urban life, making them susceptible to criminality. He said the government must extend a “hand of friendship” while making it clear that criminal activities carry consequences.
Dalhatu noted that there is an ongoing debate in the North between advocates of an entirely military response and those who believe dialogue should also be explored. He argued that available evidence shows that combining both strategies has delivered results in several cases. However, he stressed that engagement must not be misconstrued as legitimizing or excusing criminal behaviour.
He added that security agencies already employ a mix of force and negotiation in certain situations and that recent efforts by the government, supported by public cooperation, have achieved measurable progress.
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