Gumi claims FG knows identities, locations of terrorists, urges dialogue to end insecurity

A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has alleged that the Federal Government is fully aware of the identities and locations of terrorists operating across Nigeria.

Gumi made the claim during a recent interview while responding to questions about his controversial involvement in dialogue with armed groups, including bandits and insurgents, in parts of the country.

According to the cleric, his engagement with the groups is not done independently, stressing that he often works in collaboration with security agencies.

“The government knows every terrorist by name and location,” Gumi said. “I don’t go alone to negotiate. I go with the police, military, and other security agencies.”

He further explained that traditional rulers sometimes play a role in facilitating such engagements. Gumi said he had previously consulted with emirs before embarking on visits to forests where some of the armed groups operate.

“I would go to the emirs. In fact, when we went to one forest, I even went with women into the bush,” he added, highlighting the extent of his involvement in attempts to establish dialogue with the groups.

The cleric also stated that he would be willing to support armed groups, including the separatist movement Indigenous People of Biafra, as well as members of Boko Haram and bandits, if they agree to lay down their weapons and embrace negotiations with the government.

According to him, peaceful dialogue remains a viable pathway to resolving Nigeria’s long-running security challenges.

“Dialogue can bring peace and we are men of peace,” he said. “Even IPOB, which wants secession, if they are ready to put down their arms and come to a round table to discuss, I’m ready and would support them. All we don’t want is violence.”

Gumi also expressed concerns about public distrust in government actions, noting that many Nigerians believe there is often a gap between official statements and actual outcomes.

“What they say is not what they do,” he said, referring to government policies and responses to security challenges.

READ ALSO: Sheikh Gumi debunks viral ‘US arrest’ claims, says image was AI-generated

Speaking further on possible solutions to insecurity, the cleric called for a broader intellectual and strategic approach involving experts from various fields.

“Essentially, what we are saying is what is the way out of insecurity? There is a way out,” he said. “Let’s bring intellectuals to speak. Let’s bring criminologists from prestigious institutions. Let us sit on one table and find the way out.”

Gumi also cited expert recommendations suggesting that a majority of efforts to tackle insecurity should focus on non-military strategies.

“What the experts are saying now is that in dealing with what we have in Nigeria, 75 percent of the action should be non-kinetic,” he explained.

He pointed to the country’s socio-economic challenges as major factors fueling insecurity, including poor road networks, unstable electricity supply, and weak healthcare and education systems.

According to him, significant investment in social infrastructure and public services could help address the root causes of insecurity more effectively than prioritizing heavy spending on military operations alone.

“In this situation where nothing is working, is it pumping trillions into defence that should be the priority, or spending the money in bringing amenities to society?” Gumi asked. “That would have a big impact.”