Gumi Says FG Aware of Terrorists’ Locations, Reveals Security Agencies Accompany Him for Negotiations

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has claimed that the Federal Government is aware of the identities and locations of terrorists operating across various parts of the country.
Speaking during a recent interview, Gumi defended his involvement in negotiations with terrorists, explaining that he does not meet them alone but in the company of security operatives.

The cleric revealed that personnel from the police, military, and other security agencies usually accompany him during such engagements.
“The government knows every terrorist by name and location. I don’t go alone to negotiate with them; I go with the police, the military, and other security agencies,” he said.
Gumi also disclosed that some of the meetings with terrorists were held in remote areas, including forests, where he sometimes travelled alongside traditional rulers and community representatives.
He further stated that he would be willing to support groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Boko Haram insurgents, and bandits if they are prepared to abandon violence and engage in dialogue with the Nigerian government.
“Dialogue can bring peace and we are men of peace. Even IPOB, which is agitating for secession, if they are ready to drop their arms and come to the round table, I’m ready to support them. All we don’t want is violence,” he said.
The cleric also raised concerns about growing public distrust in government, noting that many Nigerians believe authorities often fail to match their promises with concrete actions.
He urged the government to include experts such as intellectuals and criminologists in discussions aimed at addressing insecurity in the country.
Gumi emphasized that investment in social development and the provision of basic amenities could help tackle some of the underlying causes of insecurity in Nigeria.
According to him: “What the experts are saying now is that in dealing with what we have in Nigeria, 75 per cent of the action should be non-kinetic because 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 malaria flies abroad. Don’t talk about education.
“In this situation where nothing is working, is it pumping trillions on defence that should be the priority or spending the money in bringing amenities to society? That would have a big impact.”