…Sues For More Intelligence Operations
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Controversial and renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has accused foreign powers of supporting terrorists in Nigeria.
Sheikh Gumi made this allegation during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, claiming that recent patterns of attacks across the country suggest external support for armed groups operating in Nigeria.
The Islamic cleric stated that the situation on the ground contradicts earlier signs of improvement in national security.
He pointed to the Abuja–Kaduna highway, once regarded as a deadly corridor for commuters, stressing that the route had become far safer in recent months before the renewed surge in violence.
According to him, farmers in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, who had long abandoned their farmlands due to persistent threats, had gradually resumed farming activities, an indication that the security environment had shown signs of stability before the latest spike in attacks.
The controversial cleric maintained that the sudden reversal in progress raises questions that cannot be ignored, urging the Nigerian government to intensify intelligence operations, strengthen diplomatic engagements, and scrutinise all external links that may be fuelling insecurity.
Recall that, Gumi had earlier, in his prayer shared on Facebook, urged Allah to pour his anger on those who profit from terror, support terrorists or are excited by their actions.
His words, “My prayer today: Ya Allah! Whoever initiated or is behind this insecurity and bloodbath in Nigeria, whether foreign or citizen, or has any benefit, material or otherwise, or is even happy that people are being killed, or willingly did nothing to stop it, may by Your divine power be exposed and Your anger poured upon them and punished immediately without harm to the innocent.”
The cleric is often criticised on social media over his alleged chumminess with bandits.
However, he denies this, expressing readiness to help authorities end banditry using dialogue when necessary.
Recall in November, Gumi said insurgency persists because a large number of uneducated and unemployed youths are easily recruited and exploited by enemies of the state.
Recall also that the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, has earlier faulted his remarks that Christians in the Middle Belt were staging funerals to fabricate genocide.
The PFN described Gumi’s comments as not only insensitive, irresponsible, but morally reprehensible.