My Headache Now Is Niger Delta Militants, Buhari Confesses

President Muhammadu Buhari has confessed that the main challenge his government is facing now is the issue of Niger Delta militants.
He declared that the security challenge in the North-east of the country is under control, with Boko Haram largely defeated, “but another serious form of insecurity has reared its head in the Niger Delta. The objective is to colonize the country economically by sabotaging oil and gas installations. We are trying to speak with their leaders, to know how many groups there are, and we are also working with the oil companies.”
“The militants engage in sophisticated sabotage, using skills they had gained from training either by government or the oil companies, to vandalize installations deep in the sea. We need to understand who the real agitators are, and engage with them, so that confidence can be restored in the region.”
President Buhari spoke today, Monday during an audience with the Foreign Minister of Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Frank-Walters Steinmeier, at State House, Abuja.
The President insisted that the Niger Delta situation is more complex, since the militants had no central command, and some of them are mere extortioners. Buhari, who promised that a lasting solution would be found to the unrest soon, appealed to Germany to help Nigeria in its effort to curb oil theft, adding that such help could come in the areas of equipment, training, and sharing of intelligence with the Nigeria Navy.
“Nigeria’s oil is stolen, and taken away through the Gulf of Guinea. Adequate training and equipping of our navy will prevent this.”
Responding, Dr. Steinmeier, said that Germany is happy to hear of the strides taken by the Buhari administration against insurgents in the North-east.
He said that his country is willing to lend a helping hand in resolving the crisis in the Niger Delta even as he applauded the war against corruption.
Dr. Steinmeier said that Nigeria would have his country’s support and that they are also interested in investing in renewable energy, gas exploration, mining, among others, to boost Nigeria’s economy.
“Germany will support development in Nigeria. We want closer cooperation on migration issues, urbanization, and supporting the navy with equipment, training and intelligence.” [myad]