Nigerian Govt Rules Out Negotiation With Terrorists

The Federal Government has ruled out any possibility of negotiating or mediating with terrorists, insisting that military defeat remains the most effective strategy for tackling terrorism in Nigeria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Luanda, Angola.

Ojukwu said the summit provided an opportunity for African leaders to strengthen continental efforts aimed at preventing conflicts, combating terrorism and violent extremism, and promoting peace and stability across the continent.

She explained that Nigeria used the gathering to present its position on terrorism and regional security to other African countries, stressing that the country’s strategy does not include negotiating with terrorists.

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“You cannot negotiate with terrorists. They do not understand negotiation or mediation; you cannot appeal to their reason, compassion or conscience,” the minister said.

According to her, the Federal Government believes that terrorists can only be effectively confronted through a decisive security response capable of defeating their operations.

“The only language terrorists understand is the language of defeat, and this is what Nigeria intends to make clear,” she added.

The minister said Nigeria’s campaign against terrorism was being pursued with determination and would not be compromised by leniency towards terrorist groups.

She further stated that the Nigerian delegation attended the AU meeting to communicate President Bola Tinubu’s firm position on the need to defeat terrorism and strengthen regional security cooperation.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu at the extraordinary session.

The Federal Government has continued to emphasise military and security operations, alongside regional cooperation, as key components of its efforts to tackle terrorism and other forms of violent extremism threatening communities across the country.