Both the United States of America and Britain on Thursday advised Nigeria against resorting to the military option in a bid to find a solution to the militancy in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

The Spokesman of the Embassy of the United States in Nigeria, Mr Sean McIntosh, told Channels Television that Nigeria needs to bring all parties to the table for dialogue in battling the terrible attacks on the nation’s infrastructure.

Meanwhile, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Paul Arkwright, cautioned the Federal Government over military option in tackling the resurgence of militancy and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta.

A Vanguard report said that Arkwright, who visited the Ake Palace, in Abeokuta, advocated dialogue as part of a comprehensive approach that should be adopted by the Federal Government to address the situation, adding that force alone might not bring about a lasting solution to the Niger Delta issue.

While speaking with newsmen, Arkwright said though there was need to protect the investments, not just the British companies and international companies operating there, but also Nigerian companies from acts of criminality going on in the region, the military should tread softly. He noted that Britain was already talking to the Federal Government and its authorities on the need to take a “comprehensive approach” and not to rely solely on military option as solution to the Niger Delta militants.

The British High Commissioner said that it is important that the government explores ways to engage the communities in the area, understand the grievances of the people and also ensure that the environmental damage was cleaned up. He also suggested that same option should be applied to conclude the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the North East of the country.

•Photo shows British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright.

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