The Federal Government has ruled out negotiating with terrorists.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated 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.
According to the minister, military defeat remains the most effective way to deal with terrorism in Nigeria.
She said the summit focused on strengthening efforts to prevent conflicts, tackle terrorism and violent extremism, and promote peace across Africa.
Ojukwu said Nigeria used the gathering to present its position on terrorism and regional security to other African countries.
According to her, Nigeria’s approach does not include negotiating or mediating with terrorists.
“You cannot negotiate with terrorists. They do not understand negotiation or mediation; you cannot appeal to their reason, compassion or conscience,” Ojukwu said.
She added that the government believed terrorists would only respond to a decisive security response.
“The only language terrorists understand is the language of defeat, and this is what Nigeria intends to make clear,” she said.
The minister said Nigeria’s fight against terrorism was being pursued with determination and would not be approached with leniency.
Ojukwu said Nigeria’s delegation was at the summit to clearly communicate President Bola Tinubu’s firm position on defeating terrorism, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima representing him at the meeting.