2027: NDC’ll engage terrorists through dialogue, says Kwankwaso

By Yunus Abubakar

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

Kwankwaso disclosed this on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he outlined the party’s proposed security strategy.

He said dialogue would complement military operations and other security measures aimed at restoring peace in troubled parts of the country.

According to him, many residents of communities ravaged by terrorism and banditry possess vital information about the perpetrators but are unwilling to share it 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.

The former Kano State governor noted that affected communities often know the identities and locations of criminals operating in their areas.

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

Kwankwaso lamented that many residents had previously provided intelligence to security agencies but were left exposed, discouraging further cooperation.

“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.

He stressed that rebuilding public confidence in the nation’s security architecture would be a key priority of an NDC administration.

Kwankwaso said the proposed government would work with communities, criminals and terrorists alike to discourage violence and promote peace.

“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.

Asked whether he would negotiate with terrorists, Kwankwaso replied, “Of course, we will talk to everybody.”

He, however, maintained that dialogue would not replace military action 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 added.