FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location — Sheikh Gumi
Controversial Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has claimed that the Bola Tinubu-led federal government knows the identity and location of every terrorist in Nigeria.
Gumi made the assertion during a television interview with DRtv, while defending his meetings with various terrorist groups.
He said, “The government knows every terrorist by name and location. I do not go to the terrorists alone. I call the Police, the security, everybody. I will go to the Emirs of that place.
“In fact, when we were going to one terrorist, I went even with women to the place. You didn’t see it because the camera was not concentrating there but I do not go alone.”
The cleric, who has long advocated dialogue with armed groups, also suggested that some foreign powers are backing terrorist networks in Nigeria.
Speaking to BBC Hausa in December 2025, Gumi warned that the recent surge in attacks was too coordinated to be purely local.
Highlighting the Abuja–Kaduna highway and Birnin Gwari, long-time flashpoints of violence, he said communities had begun returning to normal life before attacks resumed.
“There was a statement made by some foreign nations, and for long we have suspected these terrorists and extremists, and from the nature of their weapons, we realised they receive foreign support. These are powerful and wealthy foreign individuals who have the means to penetrate and interfere with the affairs of other nations,” he claimed.
Gumi argued that his call for negotiations is often misunderstood.
“Everyone knows the perpetrators. But what people do not talk about is this: what caused people we once lived peacefully with to turn against us and become a plague in the society? There is a reason,” he said.
He described such individuals as ignorant or misled, stressing that their actions should not shock anyone.
He also criticised the previous administration for failing to support his peace efforts.
“When we tried to reach them and tell them it is forbidden to steal, forbidden to kidnap, the government did not support us. Had that support been given, this issue would have been resolved,” Gumi said.
Addressing accusations of defending criminals, the cleric insisted his approach stems from religious duty and conflict-resolution principles, not sympathy for armed groups.
“Our religion does not condone oppression. All what we are doing is for the sake of Allah,” he added.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
