We’ll talk to everybody, including terrorists, to end insecurity — Kwankwaso

Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former Kano State Governor and the vice-presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, has declared a willingness to engage in dialogue with terrorists and other criminal elements to address Nigeria's escalating insecurity.

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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.

During a Channels Television interview, Kwankwaso outlined his administration's approach, suggesting that residents in affected areas often possess knowledge of the perpetrators' identities and locations. However, he noted a pervasive fear among these communities, preventing them from sharing crucial information with security agencies due to past negative repercussions.

"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 stated.

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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 proposed that his government would prioritize rebuilding trust between communities and security forces. This strategy includes direct engagement with terrorists and criminals to persuade them to cease attacks and 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.

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Of course, we will talk to everybody.

When directly asked about holding talks with terrorists, Kwankwaso affirmed, "Of course, we will talk to everybody." He also clarified that this openness to dialogue would not preclude the necessary use of military force. "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.

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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.