Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, running mate to Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election, has said an administration led by the Nigeria Democratic Congress would engage terrorists and other criminal groups in dialogue as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

Speaking on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Kwankwaso said communities affected by insecurity possess valuable intelligence about those responsible for violent attacks.

“You see, all these things that are happening today, if you go to the localities, those places where these insecurities are happening, I can tell you people know almost everything,” he said.

“They know their locations, they know the names of all those involved, and so on and so forth.”

Kwankwaso argued that many residents are reluctant to share such information with security agencies because they have lost confidence in the system.

“Many of the communities are even afraid to go forward and tell the security agencies what is actually happening because many of them have done that in the past, and, of course, they did not enjoy it,” he said.

He said an NDC government would rebuild trust with local communities while pursuing dialogue with those willing to abandon violence.

“We will give people confidence. We will work with the people, even the terrorists, and, of course, the criminals themselves to see what can be done to discourage their action. We will talk with everybody.

“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.

Nigeria has faced an insurgency since 2009, when the militant group Boko Haram began carrying out attacks in the North-East, while other parts of the country continue to grapple with banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.

In June, Obi also said his administration would be willing to negotiate with bandits and other armed groups if they demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace, adding that his government would prioritise national unity and encourage all willing groups to renounce violence and participate in rebuilding the country.