The Federal Government has ruled out negotiating or mediating with terrorists, insisting that defeating them remains the most effective way to tackle terrorism 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.

According to the minister, the summit focused on strengthening efforts to prevent conflicts, combat terrorism and violent extremism, and promote peace across the African continent.

Ojukwu said Nigeria used the gathering to present its position on terrorism and regional security to other African countries.

She explained that Nigeria's strategy does not involve negotiating or mediating with terrorists, stressing that the government believes a decisive security response is necessary to defeat them.

“You cannot negotiate with terrorists. They do not understand negotiation or mediation; you cannot appeal to their reason, compassion or conscience,” Ojukwu said.

She added that the government believed terrorists would only respond to a firm security response.

“The only language terrorists understand is the language of defeat, and this is what Nigeria intends to make clear,” she said.

The minister said Nigeria's campaign against terrorism was being pursued with determination and would not be approached with leniency.

Ojukwu added that Nigeria's delegation attended the summit to clearly communicate President Bola Tinubu's firm position on defeating terrorism, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima representing the President at the meeting.