Killings: 'Negotiating with bandits is welcome' - DG, Nigeria's think tank for policy-making says

Oladipupo Olamiposi
@olamiposioladipupo247606
4 months ago

The Director-General of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Ayo Omotayo, said negotiating with bandits who kill people in Nigeria is welcome as long as it keeps Nigerians safe.

Speaking while fielding questions from journalists during an interview, Omotayo argued that negotiating with controversial Kaduna State based cleric, Sheikh Gumi or other forces does not mean weakness in government.

“So I believe that any government that is responsible will look for all means always to ensure that the people are protected.

“Negotiating with Sheikh Gumi or any of those other forces, doesn’t mean weakness in government. It’s welcome if it’s going to lead us to having our people secured everywhere in Nigeria.

“I agree that there has been an upsurge recently, but before now, we all will agree that we had some semblance of peace.

He described it as a pragmatic approach for the government to negotiate with armed groups, saying it is welcome if it’s going to lead to having people secured everywhere in Nigeria.

“And of course, anyone who is accepting, we know where all of this resurgence is coming from, and I believe that our security forces are going to be able to be on top of it once the necessary support is given to them,” he said.

Omotayo also said security agencies cannot protect Nigeria’s vast pipeline network alone, noting that third-party support strengthens surveillance, and should not be seen as a weakness.

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