By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said a government led by Peter Obi would adopt a dual approach to tackling insecurity by engaging in dialogue with terrorists, bandits and kidnappers willing to surrender, while deploying decisive military action against those who refuse to lay down their arms. The remarks come amid renewed national debate over the best strategy to end Nigeria’s prolonged security crisis.
Speaking during a televised interview, Kwankwaso argued that military operations alone have not been sufficient to eliminate insecurity in many parts of the country.
He said communities affected by terrorism and banditry often possess valuable intelligence but are reluctant to cooperate with security agencies due to fear of reprisals and a lack of confidence in existing protection mechanisms.
According to Kwankwaso, an Obi-led administration would create opportunities for dialogue with armed groups genuinely prepared to renounce violence and reintegrate into society.
However, he stressed that criminal elements who reject peace initiatives and continue attacking innocent citizens would face the full weight of the law through sustained security operations.
The proposal has generated mixed reactions across the political landscape.
Supporters argue that combining negotiations with robust security measures could help reduce violence and encourage peaceful resolutions, while critics contend that negotiating with terrorist groups risks legitimising criminal activities.
The debate reflects the broader national conversation over how best to restore lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
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