Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Controversial Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Abubakar Gumi has hit the Bola Tinubu led federal government below the belt over his comment.
He alleged that Nigerian government already knows the identities and hideouts of terrorists across the country.
Truth Live News Media reports that Sheikh Gumi revealed this while speaking in a recent DRTV interview.
Gumi disclosed also that his interactions with armed groups are coordinated closely with security agencies.
Gumi addressed rumours that he negotiates with bandits on his own, stressing the involvement of police, military, and other officials. “The government knows every terrorist by name and by location. I don’t go alone to negotiate I go with the police, military, and other security agencies,” he said.
The controversial cleric added that some of his efforts take him deep into forests and remote communities, sometimes even accompanied by local women. “I would go to the Emirs. In fact, when we went to one forest, I even went with women into the bush,” Gumi said.
Recall that Gumi has long advocated dialogue as a tool to reduce violence, often sparking controversy for interacting with groups considered enemies of the state.
Gumi’s statements have reignited national conversations on counterterrorism strategies, with many Nigerians discussing the balance between dialogue, intelligence gathering, and military action.
His insights suggest that tackling terrorism in Nigeria may require innovative approaches that merge community engagement with formal security measures.
