Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Abubakar Gumi has claimed that the Nigerian government possesses detailed information regarding the identities and hideouts of terrorists across the nation.
The cleric made these remarks during an interview with DRTV, which began trending on Tuesday, amid ongoing scrutiny of his role in mediation efforts.
Gumi’s statements were a direct response to allegations that he maintains personal ties with bandits and acts as their spokesperson. Defending his actions, the scholar insisted that his interactions with armed groups are never solitary and that “security agencies” are always part of the process.
He emphasized his transparency by stating, “The government knows every terrorist by name and by location. I don’t go alone to negotiate — I go with the police and other security agencies.”
To further illustrate the official nature of his missions, Gumi noted that his engagements often involve local authorities and diverse groups. “I would go to the Emirs. In fact, when we went to one forest, I even went with women into the bush,” he explained.
These visits to forests and traditional rulers have been part of his long-standing and controversial “dialogue initiatives” aimed at resolving the security crisis in northern Nigeria.
Despite the backlash, the cleric continues to advocate for a non-kinetic approach to the insurgency. He maintains that “negotiation” is a viable path to de-escalate violence and convince militants to “lay down their arms.” By asserting that the state is fully aware of the terrorists’ specifics, Gumi shifted the conversation toward the government’s role in ending the conflict.
