2 TERRORIST FACTIONS OF BOKO HARAM READY TO TALK WITH GOVERNMENT,FORMER COMMANDER SAYS

File: Boko Haram

A former commander of the dreaded Boko Haram, Abdulkadir Abubakar, claims two factions of the insurgency group may be ready for talks with the federal government.

Abubakar, also known as Abu Muhammad, was the chief intelligence officer of the group and one of its top commanders, until his arrest in June by the military in Buni Yadi in Gujba local government area of Yobe state.

Abubakar at his cell in Maiduguri told NAN that Albarnawi and Mamman Nur factions of Boko Haram were willing to dialogue and cooperate with the government to defeat the most visible leader of the group, Abubakar Shekau.

Dead or alive

According to him, Shekau, whose capture, dead or alive, the military high command has ordered, has been the major obstacle to peace, since the insurgency began in 2009.

"Shekau is not willing to surrender due to his high handedness. Unfortunately, the government and military authorities accorded priority on dealing with Shekau, who is blood thirsty.

"Albarnawi has indicated interest to dialogue with the government to end insurgency and provide a lasting solution to the crisis. Albarnawi discusses this with members of his circle. And I can assure the government that he would cooperate to achieve peace.

"The two factions are willing to cooperate with Nigerian Government to defeat Shekau," he said.