The running mate to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso,says their administration will be open to dialogue with terrorists and other criminal elements if elected into office in 2027.
He said this would be part of a broader strategy to discourage the perpetrators from further attacks and end Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Kwankwaso stated this during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, where he spoke on how their administration would tackle insecurity across the country.
He said residents of communities affected by insecurity often already knew the identities and whereabouts of those behind the attacks in their localities.
He explained that many of them, however, were 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.
He added that residents’ silence was rooted in past experiences.
“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.”
Kwankwaso said his administration would prioritise rebuilding trust between such communities and security agencies.
He added that this would include engaging directly with terrorists and criminals with a view to discouraging them from further attacks and persuading them to lay down their arms.
“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 directly whether he would hold talks with terrorists, Kwankwaso replied, saying , “Of course, we will talk to everybody.”
He, however, said his willingness to engage would not rule out military intervention 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.
