The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND)has cautioned the Federal Government against the use of force to rescue the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.
In a statement signed by its Spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, in Yenagoa, the group urged the government to negotiate and agree to the option of prisoners swap as demanded by the abductors of the girls.
Over 200 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno, were abducted by insurgents on April 14 from their school dormitories.
According to MEND’s statement, the swap deal is the only viable option for peace and ceasefire. “From our experience, it is impossible for any forceful commando-type rescue in forests or creeks to be successful.
“The Israelis encouraging such a move should understand that Sambisa Forest is a different kettle of fish from Entebbe International Airport,” it said.
The statement commended the recent release of its 54 members, including an ex-militant commander, Tamunotonye Kuna, at Port Harcourt Prison without trial.
It said that Kuna, who had been held since December 2010, had voluntarily submitted his weapons to the Joint Task Force (JTF) during the amnesty proclamation in the Niger Delta.
The statement, however, urged the government to consider the unconditional release of other MEND detainees held on trumped-up charges such as the Okah brothers.
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