Ayo Omotayo, Director-General of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, has said talks with armed groups responsible for attacks could be justified if such steps help protect Nigerians.
He shared this on Wednesday, the 11th of March, 2026, during an interview on Arise Television while responding to questions about the country’s worsening security situation, including recent killings of citizens and military officers.
Omotayo said the central duty of any government is the protection of lives and property.
“One thing that is clear is that the purpose of government is to secure its people and secure its assets.
“So I believe that any government that is responsible will look for all means always to ensure that the people are protected.
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“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.
“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.