Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has declared that appeasement and goodwill gestures cannot end terrorism in the country, insisting that only decisive force will produce lasting results.

Speaking at the Nigerian Armed Forces’ inaugural lecture at the Joint Doctrine Centre in Abuja, he stated, “No amount of goodwill gesture or appeasement will end terrorism in Nigeria. It can never be a comprehensive solution compared to decisive kinetic action.”

He warned that terrorist groups exploit peace initiatives, adding, “They will simply exploit these initiatives whenever it benefits them. Terrorists never surrender out of remorse.”

According to him, such groups only lay down their arms when they are overwhelmed. “They lay down their arms only when they are facing certain defeat, and suddenly, they claim to be repentant,” he said.

Footage from the event shows General Oluyede addressing an audience of senior military officers and civilians, including personnel from the army, air force, and other branches gathered in a large auditorium.