The Federal Government has ruled out negotiations with terrorist groups, insisting that a firm security response remains central to Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the position 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 Nigeria used the summit to exchange views with other African countries on terrorism, violent extremism, conflict prevention and efforts to strengthen peace and security across the continent.
According to Ojukwu, the Federal Government does not believe that negotiations or mediation with terrorist groups will provide a lasting solution to the security challenges facing the country.
She argued that terrorist organisations cannot be approached through conventional negotiation and maintained that defeating them through effective security operations remains the government’s preferred strategy.
“Nigeria intends to make clear its determination to defeat terrorism,” the minister said.
She stressed that the government would continue to pursue its counter-terrorism efforts with determination rather than adopt what she described as a lenient approach towards violent extremist groups.
Ojukwu added that Nigeria’s participation at the African Union summit provided an opportunity to communicate President Bola Tinubu’s position on terrorism and regional security.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the President at the high-level meeting.
The Federal Government’s position comes as African countries continue to seek stronger regional cooperation to confront terrorism, violent extremism and other security threats affecting the continent.
