We’ll Talk To Terrorists To End Insecurity- Kwankwaso

Rabiu Kwankwaso, running mate to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said an NDC administration would engage terrorists and other criminal elements in dialogue as part of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s insecurity if elected in the 2027 general election.

Kwankwaso stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, saying dialogue would complement military operations and other security measures aimed at restoring peace across the country.

According to him, residents of communities affected by terrorism and banditry often know those behind the attacks but have become reluctant to share information with security agencies due to a lack of trust.

“You see, all these things that are happening today, if you go to localities, those places that these insecurities are happening, I can tell you people know almost everything,” he said.

Kwankwaso added that many residents had previously provided intelligence to security agencies without receiving the protection or response they expected.

“They know their locations, they know the names of all those involved, and so on and so forth.

“But what is happening now is many of the communities are even afraid to go forward and tell the security agencies or agents of what is actually happening.

“Because many of them have done that in the past, and of course, they did not enjoy it.”

The former Kano State governor said rebuilding public confidence in the country’s security architecture would be a major priority of the proposed administration.

He stressed that while dialogue would be explored, the government would not hesitate to deploy military and other security agencies whenever necessary.

“So we will give people confidence. We will work on the people, even the terrorists, and of course, the criminals themselves, to see what can be done really to discourage their action,” he said.

Responding to a question on whether he would negotiate with terrorists, Kwankwaso replied, “Of course, we will talk to everybody.”

He, however, maintained that negotiations would not replace security operations where the use of force becomes necessary.

“And of course, if there is any issue that will require the services of the military or other security agencies, I can tell you, we will be very happy to do it.”

Kwankwaso’s comments come amid ongoing national debate over the most effective strategies for addressing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges facing Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.