The Federal Government, on Monday, insisted that it would not subject
the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls to prisoner swap.
In a talking point developed by the National Information Centre for use by Nigerian Embassy officials worldwide, the government said it remained committed to dialogue.
It also said it would explore only the best possible and available option, with a view to achieving the release of the girls and stopping insurgency in its track.
The government said it recognized that soft power was crucial in the battle against Boko Haram, adding that force alone would not defeat the current insurgency.
It disclosed that so far, only two divisions of the Nigerian army had been deployed to fight against the terrorists.
According to the government, all the tools of national power, including military, intelligence and police, were being deployed against the insurgents.
“Nigeria has the will, the resources and the strategies to win this fight. It will take time, but we are committed to this course.
“It is worth noting that we have already achieved some important successes.
“The government has procured new equipment and technology towards strengthening the capability and support for the military and security forces, a recent delivery of such military equipment included highly sophisticated fighter helicopters with in-built night vision technology.
“The government has captured some senior-level Boko Haram commanders used as spies and treasury officials.
“These arrests have yielded valuable intelligence and has unearthed armouries which has been retrieved.
In mid-July alone, government forces apprehended three top-level Boko Haram targets.
“The government recognises that soft power is crucial in the battle against Boko Haram; force alone will not defeat the insurgency.
“As a result, the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration is implementing a comprehensive programme of assistance to support, protect, and empower local communities, with a special focus on the most vulnerable areas of the country,” the government noted.
“Having known where the girls are, the efforts of government is to ensure that they remain within the border of Nigeria, and that they are eventually rescued alive.
“This goes with a lot of planning, evaluation and assessment of prevailing situation within the general mission area. This is in line with with international best practices in respect to such operations.
“Therefore, we urge all citizens of the world, particularly the parents, members of the Chibok community and Nigerians to be patient and supportive of the effort of government.
“What is clear is the readiness and willingness of government to deploy assets and resources towards rescuing the children.
“The parents, the Chibok community are assured and they have no reason to doubt that government and Nigerians are with them in this ordeal,” it added.
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