Ndume backs Tinubu’s no-negotiation policy on terrorists

Senator Ali Ndume has endorsed the Federal Government’s policy of refusing to negotiate with terrorists and bandits, insisting that sustained military operations rather than ransom payments or dialogue remain the most effective way to end insecurity in the country.

The Senator representing Borno South stated this on Thursday after meeting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he said discussions centred on security and the economy.

Ndume threw his support behind Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and the Chief of Defence Staff’s position that criminal groups should not be negotiated with, arguing that continued military pressure had already begun yielding results.

“If the tempo is kept, I am sure this thing will come to an end,” he told State House correspondents.

“You don’t spare a bandit. You don’t spare a terrorist. Once you identify a terrorist, because if you don’t kill him, he will kill you.”

According to him, recent military operations have led to the elimination of key insurgent leaders, the surrender of several commanders and improved security in parts of the North-East and South-East.

Ndume said President Tinubu’s commitment to tackling insecurity was evident from the security meeting he held with service chiefs before receiving him.

“I had an appointment for 3 p.m., but I had to wait because the President was in a security meeting.

“As you can see, the service chiefs came in. That means the President is sitting up,” he said.