Army-Negotiation with the Niger Delta Avengers not an option

Following the bombing of the Oil pipe lines by the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, the Nigerian Army on Tuesday condemned the militant's action and said that negotiation was not imminent.  According to Punch news, the activities of the group were seriously affecting the country's oil production by reducing it to 1.1 million barrels per day. The army while justifying its recent attack on the group in Gbaramatu Delta State, said the only option was the use of force and believed that it would make their leaders to come out for dialogue. This was stated by Brig-Gen J. Hamakim, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai during the 'State of the Nation Conference' organised by the Nigerian Bar Association in Abuja on Tuesday. He noted the importance of dialogue but said that force was the only option they were left with since the militants were not ready to come out for dialogue.