Ganduje Critiques Bandit Negotiations, Warns of Risks

Abdullahi Ganduje, the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that negotiating with bandits is not a viable strategy, as it would only serve to enrich the terrorists and exacerbate insecurity in Nigeria. His remarks were made during a press conference in Abuja, responding to comments made by Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), who suggested that he and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would engage in talks with terrorists if elected in 2027.

Ganduje emphasized that allowing bandits to negotiate would provide them with an enabling environment, leading to increased financial power through kidnapping and further violence. He also noted that the effectiveness of security agencies relies on the strategies implemented.

Additionally, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo praised President Bola Tinubu’s security strategy, which avoids negotiations with criminals, claiming it has significantly improved security in Kogi State.