Nigeria ‘ready’ for dialogue with Boko Haram

President Goodluck Jonathan says his government’s doors are open for dialogue and reconciliation if the insurgents renounce “terrorism and embrace peace”.

He was addressing the nation on Thursday in a special broadcast to mark the 15th anniversary of Nigeria’s transition to democracy.

His government will accept “unconditional renunciation” of violence by the insurgents, he said.

Boko Haram has killed over 10,000 persons since the insurgency entered the current phase in 2009, according to official estimates.

The group recently kidnapped hundreds of schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State, in a saga that has caught global attention.

Jonathan said: “For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.

“My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.”

He said the gains of democracy are threatened by “the presence of international terrorism on our shores”.

Comparing Nigeria’s experience with what other countries are going through, he said: “There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd.

“Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue. ”

He said he is “determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability” by waging a total war against terrorism.

“I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.

“I have also authorised the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal,” he said.