FG Knows Terrorists, I Don’t Meet Them Alone

FG Knows Terrorists, I Don’t Meet Them Alone – Gumi
Cleric says he would support armed groups willing to embrace dialogue.
Gumi links Nigeria’s insecurity to deep rooted socio economic challenges.

Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has claimed that the Federal Government knows the identities and locations of terrorists operating across the country.

Gumi made the claim during an interview on DRTV while reacting to allegations that he maintains contact with terrorists and bandits and often advocates on their behalf.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the cleric said his engagements with armed groups were not carried out secretly, insisting that security agencies were always aware of his activities during such interactions.

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

“I would go to the Emirs. In fact, when we went to one forest. I even went with women into the bush,” he said.

Gumi also stated that he would be willing to support armed groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra, Boko Haram and bandits if they agree to lay down their weapons and pursue peaceful dialogue.

According to the cleric, negotiations with the Federal Government could provide a pathway to resolving the country’s prolonged security crisis.

He said his willingness to support such groups would depend on their readiness to abandon violence and engage authorities through peaceful discussions.

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

The Islamic scholar maintained that negotiation remains one of the most effective approaches to ending conflict and restoring stability in Nigeria.

He also advocated a balanced strategy for addressing insecurity, combining military operations with non-kinetic approaches such as dialogue and intellectual engagement.

According to him, involving experts and stakeholders in discussions could help identify long term solutions to the country’s security challenges.

“What we are saying is what is the way out of insecurity? Let’s bring intellectuals to speak. What are the experts saying now in dealing with the situation in Nigeria?” he asked.

Gumi further attributed the worsening insecurity in Nigeria to deep rooted socio economic problems.

He pointed to poor road infrastructure, unstable electricity supply, weak healthcare services and challenges in the education sector as major issues that must be addressed to achieve lasting peace.

FG Knows Terrorists, I Don’t Meet Them Alone – Gumi

“Look at the road network, it is terribly bad. Electricity is erratic and very expensive. Don’t talk about healthcare. Anybody who has anything, even our rich men when sick with headache fly abroad. Don’t talk about education, so what is working here?” he said.