This was disclosed by Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu on Monday, June 6, 2016, in Abuja.

“The President is interested in dialogue and has mandated the military to halt actions for about two weeks to ensure a team that will be led by the NSA, dialogues with the militants to ensure peace in the region,” Kachikwu said according to Vanguard.

“This is coming as more oil companies in the Niger Delta have reviewed their operations, following continued bombing of their facilities in Delta and Bayelsa states.

“The avenue is open for them, provided the militants are willing to embrace dialogue and allow truth to reign because we are going to involve key leaders from the region who have had previous experience in that area to play whatever role they can,” he added.

Meanwhile, Niger Delta activist, Ayiri Emami has urged the government not to negotiate with the militants who he described as criminals.