Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has asserted that Nigeria’s security authorities are fully aware of the identities and whereabouts of individuals involved in terrorism across the country.
The prominent scholar made the statement during a recent interview on DRTV, while responding to long-standing accusations that he maintains close contact with bandits and other armed groups operating in northern Nigeria.
Gumi dismissed the allegations, explaining that his visits to bandit camps were not carried out independently but with the knowledge and presence of government security agencies.
According to him, negotiations with armed groups were conducted alongside officials from the police, military, and other relevant security bodies.
“The government knows every terrorist by name and location,” he said during the interview. “Whenever I go to meet them, I don’t go alone. I go with security personnel.”
Traditional Leaders In The Mix
The cleric also noted that traditional leaders were sometimes involved in the engagements, adding that he had previously visited remote forest locations to facilitate dialogue.
In one instance, he said he travelled into the bush accompanied by women as part of a peace outreach.
During the interview, Gumi further stated that he would be willing to support armed groups — including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Boko Haram, and bandit factions — if they agree to renounce violence and participate in peaceful negotiations with the Federal Government.
He explained that his willingness to back such groups would depend strictly on their readiness to abandon armed struggle and embrace dialogue with authorities.
“If they are prepared to drop their weapons and come to the table for discussions, I will support that process,” he said. “Our objective is peace, not violence.”
Gumi Says Dialogue Is The Way
Gumi stressed that dialogue remains a critical tool for resolving conflicts and restoring stability in Nigeria, arguing that military force alone cannot solve the country’s security challenges.
He advocated a strategy that combines security operations with non-military approaches such as dialogue, intellectual engagement, and consultations with experts.
According to the cleric, bringing together scholars, policymakers, and security specialists to examine the underlying causes of violence could help develop lasting solutions.
“What is the way out of insecurity?” he asked. “Let intellectuals and experts contribute ideas on how to address the situation in Nigeria.”
Socio-Economic Problems
Gumi also linked the rise in insecurity to broader socio-economic problems facing the country.
He pointed to deteriorating infrastructure, unreliable electricity supply, weak healthcare systems, and challenges within the education sector as factors that fuel instability.
He lamented that even wealthy Nigerians often seek medical treatment abroad due to the poor state of the country’s healthcare facilities.
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“Look at the road network — it is in terrible condition. Electricity is unstable and expensive. Healthcare is struggling, and education is facing serious challenges,” he said. “These are issues that must be addressed if we truly want lasting peace.”