Kwankwaso's Shocking Proposal: Dialogue With Terrorists To End Insecurity
Rabiu Kwankwaso, NDC vice-presidential candidate, proposes dialogue with terrorists and criminals to complement military operations if elected in 2027. He stresses rebuilding public trust in security agencies, acknowledging that communities often hold vital, unshared intelligence. While prioritizing engagement, Kwankwaso affirmed that military action would be deployed when necessary to address Nigeria's insecurity.
Rabiu Kwankwaso, the running mate to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has articulated the party's proposed strategy to tackle Nigeria's escalating insecurity challenges if elected in the 2027 general election. Kwankwaso revealed during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today that an NDC administration would prioritize engaging terrorists and other criminal elements in dialogue, framing it as a crucial complement to existing military operations and broader security measures aimed at restoring peace across the nation.
A core tenet of Kwankwaso's approach is the belief that local communities often possess vital intelligence regarding the perpetrators and locations of terrorist and banditry activities. However, he noted that a pervasive lack of trust in security agencies has rendered residents reluctant to share this critical information. He elaborated, stating, “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.” Kwankwaso explained that many residents who had previously provided intelligence failed to receive the expected protection or response, leading to widespread fear and disengagement from security efforts.
The former Kano State governor underscored that rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria's security architecture would be a major priority for the proposed NDC administration. He emphasized that while dialogue would be extensively explored, the government would not hesitate to deploy military and other security agencies whenever such force becomes necessary. Kwankwaso stated, “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.”
When directly questioned about negotiating with terrorists, Kwankwaso affirmed, “Of course, we will talk to everybody.” He was careful to clarify, however, that these negotiations would not serve as a substitute for robust security operations where the application of force is deemed essential. “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. Kwankwaso’s remarks contribute significantly to the ongoing national discourse concerning the most effective strategies to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other severe security challenges confronting Nigeria as the 2027 general election approaches.