Nigeria's Ojukwu Rejects Negotiation with Terrorists

Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, declared that the federal government has no intention of negotiating with terrorists. This statement was made while addressing journalists at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Luanda, Angola.

Ojukwu emphasized that Nigeria's strategy for addressing security issues does not involve negotiation or mediation with terrorists, asserting that military defeat is the most effective method to combat terrorism. She stated, “You cannot negotiate with terrorists.

They do not understand negotiation or mediation; you cannot appeal to their reason, compassion or conscience.” Ojukwu reiterated that the government believes terrorists will only respond to decisive security measures, declaring, “The only language terrorists understand is the language of defeat.” She affirmed Nigeria's commitment to fighting terrorism without leniency and highlighted that the delegation aimed to present President Bola Tinubu’s stance on defeating terrorism, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima representing him at the summit.