Nigerian Govt Rules Out Military Action Against Rampaging Herdsmen, Intensify Deployment To Fight Niger Delta Avengers

Despite the ferocious wave of attacks on indigenous communities by rampaging herdsmen in some parts of the country, the Federal Government has ruled out the possibility of deploying military option to quell such violent activities.

It said since the police have not been overwhelmed by the attackers, military option is not on the table.

Minister of Interior, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd) stated this on a Sunday midnight television programme “Question Time” on Channels TV.

“We must protect the country which is the main function of the police. The Civil Defence are there to complement them too.

“This is a non-military issue that borders on law and order. It is not every security issue that you call in the military. It is the responsibility of the police to maintain peace. I believe that if we put the police in proper position in terms of discharging its functions, then there would be no need for military option. The police are equal to the task. If you have to deploy the army, then you are going above board (sic). In any case, I do not even have the power to deploy the military for anything. It is only when the situation gets out of hand that you invite the military”, he said.
According to the Global Terrorism Index 2015 report, “Fulani militants” killed 1,229 people in 2014 — up from 63 in 2013 — making them the “fourth most deadly terrorist group” globally.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar says the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has intensified deployment in the Niger Delta Region to deal with the economic threat of the Niger Delta Avengers.

Abubakar made this known on Saturday in Adamawa state during the commissioning ceremony of projects at the Nigerian Air Force Base Yola.

Abubakar while commending the gallantry of air force troops in operations against of Boko Haram militants said the Air force continues to contribute its quota in various internal security operations across the country.

He said: “We have intensified our deployment in the Niger Delta Region to deal with the emerging threat of economic sabotage perpetrated by a small group of criminals.”

“We shall not relent nor rest on our oars until we ensure the protection of every inch of the country’s territory and infrastructure,” he added.

Abubakar said the project commissioning was a milestone on the journey to improve the welfare of NAF personnel and reduce the pressure asserted on existing office facilities and residential accommodations at the Base.

The Projects include: newly constructed 205 Wing building and pilot crew rooms of 75 strike group, ten, one bedroom accommodation and a newly constructed and furnished Senior Non Commissioned Officers Mess.