NIPSS Director-General Ayo Omotayo says negotiating with bandits is acceptable if it guarantees the safety of Nigerians and helps tackle insecurity

The Director-General of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Ayo Omotayo, has said that engaging in dialogue with bandits responsible for attacks in Nigeria could be acceptable if it ultimately ensures the safety of citizens.

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Omotayo made the remark during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday while responding to comments by Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who recently suggested that negotiations with armed groups could complement efforts to address violence in northern Nigeria.

According to Omotayo, attempts to negotiate with criminal groups should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness by the government.

“The purpose of government is to secure its people and secure its assets. So I would believe that any government that is responsible will look for all means, all ways to ensure that the people are protected,” he said.

He acknowledged the recent rise in banditry across parts of the country but noted that the security situation had previously shown signs of improvement.

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

Omotayo expressed confidence that security agencies could regain control of the situation if they receive adequate support, while stressing that citizens’ safety should remain the government’s top priority.

“Negotiating with those who kill our people is welcome if we can do so. As long as Nigerians are safe, the important thing is for Nigerians to be safe,” he said.

His remarks come amid growing debate over Gumi’s engagements with armed groups. In a separate interview with DRTV, the cleric explained that he is often accompanied by security agencies during such meetings, highlighting the ongoing discussion over whether dialogue should form part of Nigeria’s broader security strategy.

Omotayo speaks on Nigeria-India diplomatic concerns

Commenting on foreign policy matters, Omotayo also addressed concerns that countries such as India might decline Nigerian ambassadorial nominees whose terms in office would be shorter than two years.

He explained that India’s diplomatic rules may limit the acceptance of such appointments but emphasised that the situation should not be viewed as a failure of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

“If we are unable to send ambassadors, it does not mean that the country has done anything too wrong. I do not want Nigeria to see this as a foreign policy failure,” he said.

Omotayo added that strategic relations between Nigeria and India remain strong and that diplomatic cooperation would continue despite any temporary delays in ambassadorial postings.

“Not having ambassadors does not really matter. America doesn’t have ambassadors everywhere. Some countries combine ambassadors for two or three different countries,” he said.