Rabiu Kwankwaso, the running mate to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, says an administration led by the party would be willing to engage terrorists and other criminal groups in dialogue if elected in 2027.
Kwankwaso said the approach would form part of a broader strategy aimed at ending Nigeria’s deepening insecurity and discouraging armed groups from continuing their attacks.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, he outlined how an NDC government would address the country’s security challenges.
According to him, residents of communities plagued by insecurity often know the identities and locations of those responsible for the attacks but are reluctant to share such information with security agencies.
“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 attributed the silence of many residents to previous negative experiences after providing information to security operatives.
“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.”
He said his administration would focus on rebuilding trust between affected communities and security agencies to encourage intelligence sharing.
Kwankwaso added that the government would also engage directly with terrorists and other criminal elements in an effort to persuade them to abandon violence.
“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.
When asked if he would negotiate with terrorists, Kwankwaso responded: “Of course, we will talk to everybody.”
He, however, stressed that dialogue would not replace the use of force where 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,” he said.