Why Govt Should Not Negotiate With Terrorists – Peace Group

The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has cautioned  government against negotiating with terrorists.

It warned that engagement under duress only strengthens criminal networks and sustains the cycle of insecurity.

The executive director of PeacePro, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, during an interview with LEADERSHIP, said terrorism thrives on leverage and negotiation, especially when driven by pressure tactics such as hostage videos, effectively rewards and legitimises violent coercion.

He noted that terrorist groups deploy kidnapping, propaganda, and fear as strategic tools to extract financial and political concessions, adding that once such demands are entertained, it establishes a dangerous precedent that encourages repetition.

Hamzat stressed that the long-term national security implications of negotiation far outweigh any short-term relief, as ransom payments and concessions often translate into increased funding, recruitment, and operational capacity for terrorist groups.

He emphasised that security forces, particularly the Nigerian Army, should prioritise decisive, intelligence led rescue operations to secure the release of victims, rather than yielding to terrorist demands.

Hamzat added that a firm non negotiation policy is essential to dismantle the economic and psychological foundations of terrorism.

He, therefore,  urged the federal  and state governments to maintain a strict no-negotiation posture with terrorist groups; intensify intelligence led rescue operations; disrupt ransom payment channels and financial networks; strengthen rapid response and surveillance capabilities and support affected families through structured, non public mechanisms.