Abuja, 3 April-(ANA)-Nigeria's President Umaru Yar'Adua has said his government is considering granting amnesty to violent groups in the Niger Delta if they disarm.
Attacks and kidnappings by militants in the oil-rich Delta have cut Nigeria's oil profits by 25% in three years.
Mr Yar'Adua said the government would discuss measures including offering rehabilitation to militants and help to reintegrate them into society.
But the pledge has been dismissed as mere words by the most prominent group.
Mr Yar'Adua said he wanted ''new rules of engagement'' for the Delta.
"We are working on terms for the granting of amnesty for those who are prepared to lay down their arms," he told a meeting of leaders of his People's Democratic Party (PDP).
He also said he would empower Nigeria's military to fight the militants more effectively, providing extra funding to enable the Joint Task Force (JTF) to "acquire the proper capacity to be able to enforce law and order". (ANA)
