Kwankwaso: ‘We’ll Talk to Everybody, Including Terrorists, to End Insecurity

Former Kano Governor Advocates Dialogue Alongside Military Action to Restore Peace                                        

                    

The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general election and former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said that his administration would be willing to engage in dialogue with all parties—including terrorists and armed groups—if it would help bring an end to Nigeria's prolonged insecurity.

Speaking during a public engagement, Kwankwaso argued that resolving the country's security challenges requires a comprehensive strategy that combines military operations, intelligence gathering, community engagement and dialogue where necessary.

According to him, no option that could genuinely lead to lasting peace and save lives should be ruled out.

"We will talk to everybody, including terrorists, if that is what it takes to end insecurity and restore peace," Kwankwaso said.

He maintained that while security forces should continue to confront criminal groups threatening the country's stability, opportunities for negotiations that could encourage the surrender of fighters, the release of hostages or the restoration of peace should also be explored.

Kwankwaso stressed that insecurity has continued to affect farming, business activities and economic development across several parts of Nigeria, making it imperative for the government to adopt innovative and pragmatic approaches to address the crisis.

He also emphasized the need to improve the welfare and operational capacity of the nation's security agencies, strengthen intelligence-sharing among law enforcement institutions and invest in job creation and education to address some of the underlying causes of violent extremism and criminality.

His comments have generated debate among political observers and security experts. While some argue that dialogue has helped resolve conflicts in certain parts of the world, others maintain that negotiations with terrorist groups should be approached cautiously to avoid legitimizing violent organizations or encouraging further attacks.

Successive Nigerian administrations have adopted a combination of military operations, peace initiatives and rehabilitation programmes in efforts to tackle insurgency, banditry and other security threats. However, insecurity remains a major national concern, particularly in parts of the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.

Kwankwaso reiterated that his priority would be protecting the lives and property of Nigerians, stating that every lawful and practical measure capable of restoring peace should be considered.

The remarks come amid ongoing national discussions on how best to address Nigeria's security challenges, with policymakers, security experts and civil society groups continuing to advocate a balanced approach that combines force, prevention, development and dialogue where appropriate.