Kwankwaso Says Obi-Led Government Would Consider Dialogue With Terrorists as Part of Security Strategy

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said an administration led by Peter Obi would be open to engaging terrorists and other criminal groups in dialogue as part of a wider strategy to address Nigeria's security challenges.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, Kwankwaso stressed that negotiations would not replace military action but would complement broader efforts to restore peace in affected communities.

Dialogue and Military Action

Kwankwaso argued that communities affected by terrorism and banditry often know the identities and locations of those responsible for attacks but are reluctant to cooperate with security agencies because of a lack of trust.

He said rebuilding public confidence in the security system would be a key priority, enabling residents to share intelligence without fear of reprisals.

When asked whether his administration would negotiate with terrorists, Kwankwaso replied, "We will talk to everybody," while maintaining that security agencies would continue to act whenever the use of force became necessary.

Restoring Public Confidence

According to the former Kano State governor, intelligence from local communities remains one of the country's most valuable assets in tackling insecurity.

He argued that many residents have stopped providing information because they believe previous intelligence-sharing efforts failed to result in adequate protection from security authorities.

Kwankwaso said rebuilding trust between communities and security agencies would improve intelligence gathering and strengthen efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.

Debate Ahead of 2027

The remarks are expected to fuel debate over how Nigeria should confront its long-running security crisis, with differing views on whether dialogue should play a role alongside military operations.

Security experts and successive governments have adopted varying approaches to negotiations with armed groups, making the issue one of the key policy questions likely to feature prominently in the build-up to the 2027 general election.