The Federal Government has ruled out any form of negotiation with terrorists operating in Nigeria.
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.
The minister said military action remained the most effective way to deal with terrorism in Nigeria.
She explained that the summit focused on efforts to prevent conflicts, tackle terrorism and violent extremism, and promote peace across Africa.
According to Ojukwu, Nigeria used the meeting to present its position on terrorism and regional security to other African countries.
She said the Nigerian government would not negotiate or mediate with terrorists.
“You cannot negotiate with terrorists. They do not understand negotiation or mediation; you cannot appeal to their reason, compassion or conscience,” she said.
Ojukwu added that the government believed terrorists would only respond to a strong and decisive security response.
“The only language terrorists understand is the language of defeat, and this is what Nigeria intends to make clear,” the minister said.
She said the government was determined to continue the fight against terrorism and would not show leniency towards terrorists.
Ojukwu also said Nigeria’s delegation attended the summit to clearly communicate President Bola Tinubu’s position on the need to defeat terrorism.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu at the meeting.
