FG Knows Identities, Locations of Terrorists — Gumi

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has alleged that the Federal Government is fully aware of the identities and locations of terrorists operating across Nigeria.

Gumi made the claim during a recent interview while responding to questions about his involvement in negotiating with armed groups and whether the government lacks the capacity or technology to track them.

According to him, security agencies are not in the dark about the whereabouts of terrorists, stressing that he does not meet them alone during negotiations.

“The government knows every terrorist by name and location. I don’t go alone to negotiate. I go with the police, military and other security agencies,” he said.

The cleric explained that his peace missions often involve traditional leaders and security operatives, noting that on one occasion he even entered a forest with women while trying to reach the armed groups.

Gumi also said he would be willing to support armed groups, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as well as Boko Haram and bandits, if they are prepared to lay down their arms and engage the government in dialogue.

He maintained that peaceful negotiation remains the most effective path to ending the country’s security crisis.

“If they are ready to drop their weapons and come to the roundtable for discussion, I am ready to support them. What we don’t want is violence,” he said.

Gumi, however, expressed concern over the growing mistrust between citizens and the government.

According to him, many Nigerians believe government pronouncements often do not match its actions.

“What they say is not what they do,” he stated.

He further stressed the need for a broader strategy in tackling insecurity, recommending that more emphasis be placed on non-military solutions.

Gumi said experts have suggested that about 75 percent of the approach to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges should be non-kinetic, arguing that poor infrastructure, unreliable electricity supply, weak healthcare services and declining education standards are major drivers of unrest.

He added that improving living conditions and investing in social amenities could have a significant impact on reducing insecurity across the country.