FG might talk to Boko Haram via ‘back channels’–Azazi

It was muted yesterday that government could talk to the terrorist group. Reuters news agency reported that “Nigerian security services are considering making contact with moderate members of shadowy Islamist sect Boko Haram via ‘back channels,’ even though explicit talks are officially ruled out, the national security adviser said yesterday.”

The agency said that following the emergency meetings with President Goodluck Jonathan and top security officials in response to a spate of deadly Christmas Day bombings by the sect, National Security Adviser (NSA) General Owoye Andrew Azazi told its reporter “that officials were looking at broadening efforts beyond pure security measures — including addressing northern economic grievances.”

According to the NSA, “Even if government has a policy saying that there’s no negotiation, that you can’t reach out to Boko Haram, intelligence must find a way.
“I don’t think it’s everybody (in Boko Haram) who believes in the level of violence ... That’s why you could have other channels for discussion ... It’s something we could pursue.”

Azazi declined to comment on whether contact with moderate members of Boko Haram had already been made.
“From our perspective, you try back channels. And when you are trying back channels, that’s not when the president will come and announce to the whole of Nigeria that ‘I’m talking to mister A or mister B,’” he said.