The Federal Government has ruled out negotiations or mediation with terrorist groups operating in Nigeria, insisting that a decisive security response remains the country’s preferred approach to tackling terrorism.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated the government’s 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.
According to the minister, Nigeria used the summit to present its position on terrorism and regional security while joining other African countries in discussions on conflict prevention, violent extremism and peacebuilding.
Ojukwu said the Federal Government did not believe that negotiations with terrorists would provide a lasting solution to the security challenges confronting the country.
She maintained that terrorist groups could not be persuaded through conventional dialogue or appeals for compassion, arguing that the government’s strategy was focused on defeating them.
The minister said Nigeria’s position was being communicated clearly to other African countries as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
She added that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained determined to confront terrorism and would not adopt what she described as a lenient approach.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu at the African Union meeting, where security and conflict prevention were among the major issues under consideration.
Ojukwu said the summit provided an opportunity for Nigeria to work with other African countries on mechanisms for preventing conflicts and strengthening continental responses to terrorism.
The minister also reiterated Nigeria’s opposition to unconstitutional changes of government across Africa and expressed support for efforts to strengthen the African Peace Fund.
She said Nigeria remained committed to continental initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability while supporting stronger collective action against security threats.
The Federal Government’s latest position comes amid Nigeria’s continuing battle against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.
With the government ruling out negotiations, the emphasis is expected to remain on military and security operations, intelligence gathering and cooperation with neighbouring countries to weaken terrorist networks.
The administration is also seeking greater regional cooperation as part of its broader strategy to address security threats that increasingly cross national borders.
Nigeria’s position at the Luanda summit underscores the government’s determination to pursue a security-led response to terrorism while working with other African countries to strengthen mechanisms for conflict prevention and regional stability.
