How Buhari Considered Military Action Against Niger Delta Avengers Before Accepting Dialogue – Biography

ABUJA: Former President Muhammadu Buhari was initially inclined to deploy the Nigerian military against the Niger Delta Avengers in response to the group’s attacks and threats, but was eventually persuaded to embrace dialogue, his authorised biography has disclosed.

The revelation is contained in Muhammadu Buhari: The Authorised Biography, a three-volume publication featuring accounts from former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu.

The book is scheduled for public presentation on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites in Abuja.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Planning Committee and former Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, during a press conference in the nation’s capital.

An excerpt from the biography read at the event disclosed that Buhari’s first reaction to the activities of the Niger Delta Avengers was to consider a strong military response.

“Buhari’s instinct, Kachikwu recalled, was command,” the excerpt stated.

It further explained: “He felt as a general, he should watch Nigeria, he owed her, and he wanted to act militarily. But Kachikwu argued that a purely military response would create complications. The federal forces were already stretched, escalation could paralyze the entire industry.”

Kachikwu reportedly opposed an exclusively military approach, warning that it could worsen the situation and disrupt activities across the oil industry.

The difference in their positions came to the fore ahead of a meeting with the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, as Buhari remained reluctant to approve negotiations with the militants.

“The president was present, and Kachikwu was present,” the biography stated.

It added that “Buhari was upset at what was unfolding in Niger Delta and was very reluctant to approve dialogue with militants.”

Nevertheless, Kachikwu’s persuasion eventually convinced the former president to support engagement with stakeholders, “allowing the peace process to proceed.”

The account also observed that Buhari “was unwilling to tolerate what he regarded as ransom politics, but was nudged into engagement.”

According to the biography, Kachikwu particularly cherished a photograph taken shortly after the meeting because it captured Buhari smiling after the tension surrounding the discussions had eased.

Kachikwu recalled teasing the late president afterwards, saying, “See, it’s not so bad after all.”

Buhari reportedly smiled in response.

Meanwhile, the author, Dr Udu Yakubu, said the former president cooperated with the biography project but maintained no control over its editorial direction.

“The work was authorised by President Buhari. That authorisation opened doors,” Yakubu explained.

He further stated: “The subject has had his voice in the biography, while the biographer has had or retained his independence.”