Two Factions Of Boko Haram Ready For Dialogue - Ex- Commander

He claimed that the Albarnawi and Mamman Nur factions of Boko Haram were willing to dialogue with the government to defeat the Abubakar Shekau faction. He explained that the Shekau faction was behind series of attack on innocent people in the region as well as the kidnap of Chibok girls stressing that some of the operations did not enjoy the support of the two factions.

He lamented that though the two factions were ready for negotiation, the government has refused to deal with them, preferring to engage the Shekau faction that is highhanded and not ready for talks.

According to him “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 added.

The Boko Haram suspect who also claimed to have participated in several operations including the abduction of Chibok Girlks as well as the attack on Federal Government College, Buni Yadi stated that he was ready to assist the Military to arrest Shekau. He disclosed that Shekau had left Sambisa forest and was currently operating from Mandara Mountain.

“I am cooperating with the military and I am ready to provide information on the whereabouts of Shekau. Shekau has left his enclave in Sambisa and moved deep into Mandara Mountain. I know the area where he is hiding and willing to provide a guide to the military. The intensified military offensive has weakened Shekau’s position and that of the other groups,” he added.

On the leadership crisis rocking the sect, Abubakar said “During the early days of the insurgency we fought for what we thought was a just cause, to establish a caliphate where human beings are valued, cherished and respected. After annexing vast territories, Shekau began to demonstrate his cruelty and atrocities against humanity. In view of the high level atrocities committed by the group, some of the top commanders including myself, Albarnawi and Mamman Nur challenged Shekau, demanding an immediate end to the ugly saga"

“Thereafter, Albarnawi and Mamman Nur parted ways, and formed their groups. Shekau is responsible for suicide bombings and attack on soft targets in the North-East. The Albarnawi and Mamman Nur groups never attacked schools, religious places of worship, markets, women and children. Our fight was strictly with security forces. Even the kidnapped oil workers would not be killed by the group,” he said.