5 October, 2009
Nigerian Ex-Militants to be Rehabilitated
LAGOS, Nigeria
The Nigerian Government intends to rehabilitate and train repentant militants from the troubled Niger Delta as part of an ongoing amnesty programme.
Nigerian Defense minister General Godwin Abbe said the government will also negotiate with the former militants on how to fast-track development in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
Local militants groups took up arms in 2006 to demand a greater share of the region’s oil revenues. In April 2009, President Umaru Yar’Adua’s government accorded them amnesty and promised to address their concerns. (GR)