Nigerian Government Knows Every Terrorist By Name And Location – Sheikh Gumi

Gumi Claims Nigerian Government Knows Identities and Locations of Terrorists

March 10, 2026 – News

Controversial Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has alleged that the Nigerian government knows the identities and locations of terrorists operating in the country.

Gumi made the claim during a television interview with DRtv, while defending his meetings with armed groups as part of efforts to persuade them to abandon violence.

According to the cleric, he does not meet with the groups alone and usually informs security agencies before engaging them.

“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,” he said.

He added that some of his visits to terrorist camps have included community members, including women, though such details were not widely reported because cameras were focused elsewhere.

Claims of Foreign Support for Terror Groups

In December 2025, Gumi had also alleged that powerful foreign actors were supporting terrorist and armed groups operating across Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, he argued that the sudden escalation of attacks after months of relative calm suggested the involvement of external forces capable of destabilising the country.

According to him, the pattern of recent violence indicates that the attacks may not be entirely local in origin.

Gumi pointed to the Abuja–Kaduna highway, once regarded as one of Nigeria’s most dangerous routes, noting that security had significantly improved before the recent resurgence of attacks.

He also referenced Birnin Gwari, a long-standing hotspot for banditry, saying residents had begun returning to their farms before violence suddenly resurfaced.

“There was a statement made by some foreign nations, and for long we have suspected these terrorists and extremists. From the nature of their weapons, we realised they receive foreign support,” he said.

The cleric alleged that wealthy and influential foreign individuals possess the resources to interfere in the affairs of other nations and fuel instability.

Calls for Dialogue with Armed Groups

Gumi, who has long advocated dialogue with bandits and insurgents, argued that discussions about insecurity often ignore the root causes of the crisis.

“Everyone knows them. 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 society? There is a reason,” he said.

He described many perpetrators as individuals acting out of ignorance or misguidance.

According to the cleric, his attempts to preach against kidnapping and violence to armed groups were not supported by the previous administration.

“When we tried to reach them and tell them it is forbidden to steal and forbidden to kidnap, the government did not support us. Had that support been given, this issue would have been resolved,” he said.

Responding to Critics

Addressing criticisms that he sympathises with criminals, Gumi insisted his actions are guided by religious duty and conflict resolution principles rather than support for armed groups.

“Our religion does not condone oppression. All what we are doing is for the sake of Allah,” he said.

His remarks come amid ongoing debates about the best strategies to address insecurity in Nigeria, including whether negotiations with armed groups should form part of broader counter-terrorism efforts under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.