TVC E. President Muhammadu Buhari may holding secret talks with Niger Delta militants while in London, UK.
One of the sources from IBTimes has confirmed the rumour and added that the former members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) were heading to London to attend talks instead of the new militant group Niger Delta Avengers on invitation by the British government.
He also added that negotiations could result in the extradition of the IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu in exchange for a ceasefire.
A counter-terrorism expert David Otto has said that Nigeria’s decision to negotiate with the militants can be a good short-term strategy.
He said: “The Nigerian government is facing threats in the North East, North West, Middle Belt regions, South East and South South. An early dialogue is welcomed because President Muhammadu Buhari has often warned against past governments letting small fires becoming uncontrollable like in the Boko Haram case.
“Negotiations are good but they open floodgates, especially on areas where natural resources are highly needed for economic sustainability. Lines must be drawn on the sand. A particular region cannot drag the government in the mud because they sit on needed resources.”
The security expert also confirmed that probable talks could be held in London. Meanwhile, he added it is not clear whether they will actually take place.
“The peaceful ground for negotiation has been set up in London between representatives of both sides aligned with Biafra, NDA and equally the issue of El Zakzaky, with the UK playing the neutral party and facilitator role,” Otto said.
“It comes after the UK foreign secretary advised the Nigerian government not to use military strategy alone in dealing with NDA, as it would escalate the crisis and drive down the economy that it is still largely depending on oil revenue.
“Even if talks happen, disagreements between representatives could lead to a failed dialogue. It will depend on a balancing exercise against threats of missiles flying in the air or oil dropping to zero level in militants-controlled zones.”
Former Niger Delta war lord Chief Government Ekpemupolo, or Tompolo as he is better known, publicly disassociated self from the militants causing the anger of the NDA. President Buhari departed Abuja on June 6 on a ten-day vacation for rest and medical check-up.
