The Federal Government has ruled out negotiations with terrorists, insisting that military defeat remains the only effective response to terrorism and violent extremism.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the position known in Luanda, Angola, where she spoke with journalists on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
She said Nigeria is using the summit to strengthen continental cooperation against terrorism and violent extremism, while ensuring that the country’s firm anti-terrorism position is recognised by other African states.
Nigeria’s hardline position
According to the minister, the Tinubu administration is committed to defeating terrorism and will not approach the fight with leniency.
She said terrorists cannot be persuaded through negotiation, mediation or appeals to compassion and conscience.
“You cannot negotiate with terrorists. They do not understand negotiation or mediation; you cannot appeal to their reason, compassion or conscience. The only language terrorists understand is the language of defeat, and this is what Nigeria intends to make clear.”
Ojukwu said the position was being communicated at the AU summit as Nigeria seeks stronger regional cooperation in tackling terrorism and violent extremism.
AU summit targets terrorism, conflict
The minister said the 21st Extraordinary Session is focused on strengthening mechanisms for conflict prevention, counter-terrorism and the fight against violent extremism across Africa.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the summit conveyed Nigeria’s position on regional security.
Ojukwu described the meeting as a pivotal moment for Nigeria, given the country’s ongoing battle against terrorism.
“This summit, the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government, is essentially about strengthening mechanisms to prevent conflict, to deal with terrorism and to counter violent extremism. Its a pivotal moment for Nigeria because we are engaged in our own war against terror,” she said.
READ ALSO:
- Nigeria Targets 8,000MW by 2027 as Renewable Energy Adoption Deepens
- FG Seeks UN Reforms to Protect Sovereignty in Investor Disputes
- 17,000 Nigerians Remain Missing over Insurgency in North-East – ICRC
- FG Suspends 3 Perm. Secs, Orders Arrest Over Fake Agency
Beyond security, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed its opposition to unconstitutional changes of government and expressed support for strengthening the African Peace Fund.
Ojukwu said Nigeria remains committed to the fund’s recapitalisation, with efforts aimed at increasing its resources from 405 million dollars to one billion dollars.
“We do not tolerate unconstitutional changes of government. We have demonstrated that repeatedly, and Nigeria is committed to the African Peace Fund. There is a recapitalisation process to increase this from $405 million to $1 billion. We are committed to regulating and promoting peace across the African continent,” she said.
The minister said Nigeria’s participation in the summit reflects its broader commitment to promoting peace, strengthening democratic governance and supporting collective African action against terrorism and violent extremism.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.