`` To deal with a group like that , you need a carrot and stick , '' Olusegun Obasanjo says . The militants , who 've attacked churches and mosques , operate chiefly in Nigeria 's restive north . The Islamist militants , who operate chiefly in Nigeria 's restive north , have carried out numerous deadly attacks on mosques , churches and businesses and are suspected of having links to al Qaeda . They undermine development , education , health , and food and nutrition security , Obasanjo says . And they are not just fighting for their own cause ; the government is also supporting them financially.
`` To deal with a group like that , you need a carrot and stick , '' Olusegun Obasanjo says . The militants , who 've attacked churches and mosques , operate chiefly in Nigeria 's restive north . They undermine development , education , health , and food and nutrition security , Obasanjo says . And they are not just fighting for their own cause ; the government is also supporting them financially.