Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has claimed that the Nigerian government is fully aware of the identities and locations of terrorists operating in different parts of the country.
The cleric made the assertion during an interview with DRTV, which began circulating widely on social media on Tuesday.
Gumi spoke while responding to accusations that he maintains close ties with terrorists and bandits responsible for violent attacks across parts of northern Nigeria. Critics have often alleged that he regularly meets with these armed groups and sometimes speaks in their defence.
Addressing the allegations, the Islamic scholar insisted that his interactions with the armed groups are not conducted independently. According to him, security agencies are usually aware of or involved in such engagements.
“The government knows every terrorist by name and by location. I do not go alone when I engage them. I go together with the police and other security agencies,” Gumi said during the interview.
He further explained that some of the meetings have involved consultations with traditional leaders and visits to remote locations believed to serve as hideouts for bandits.
According to him, these efforts were aimed at encouraging dialogue and exploring non-violent solutions to the persistent security crisis affecting several northern states.
“I would go to the emirs. At one point, when we visited a forest, I even went into the bush with women,” he said, suggesting that some of the engagements required travelling deep into areas suspected to harbour armed groups.
Gumi has been a controversial figure in discussions around Nigeria’s security challenges. Over the years, he has repeatedly advocated negotiation and dialogue as a strategy for reducing violence and persuading bandits to abandon armed activities.
His approach, however, has drawn mixed reactions from the public and security analysts. While some believe dialogue could help de-escalate conflict, others argue that engaging directly with armed groups may legitimise their activities.
Despite the criticism, Gumi has continued to defend his involvement in peace efforts, maintaining that communication with the groups could contribute to reducing attacks and restoring stability in affected communities.
