Former All Progressives Congress National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje has said negotiating with bandits is not a sound security strategy, warning that such talks would further enrich terrorist groups and worsen insecurity.

Speaking at a press conference, Ganduje was responding to comments from Nigeria Democratic Congress vice presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso suggesting he and presidential candidate Peter Obi would negotiate with terrorists if elected in 2027. Ganduje said it made little sense for armed bandits to sit down with local officials or security agencies to negotiate, arguing that such arrangements effectively give criminals room to operate in exchange for concessions like money, transport and logistics support, which only strengthens their capacity to fund more weapons and kidnappings.

Separately, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo praised President Bola Tinubu’s security strategy, saying the administration’s firm stance against negotiating with criminals has significantly improved security in his state. Speaking after a meeting with the president, Ododo, alongside former Kogi West Senator Smart Adeyemi, said he had come to thank Tinubu for support that contributed to the successful rescue of students in Kogi State, describing insecurity as an inherited problem the president confronted directly upon taking office. He said Tinubu had advised him against negotiating with criminals when he assumed office, a policy Kogi State has since followed, crediting it with improved security in the state.