Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, says the Federal Government is aware of the identities and hideouts of terrorists operating in different parts of the country.
Speaking in a recent interview, Gumi defended his involvement in negotiating with terrorists, saying he does not engage them alone but in the company of security operatives.
The cleric disclosed that officials of the police, military, and other security agencies 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 added that some of the discussions with terrorists took place in remote locations, including forests, where he sometimes travelled with traditional leaders 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 show readiness to abandon violence and embrace 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 expressed concern over growing public distrust in the government, noting that many Nigerians believe authorities often fail to match their promises with concrete actions.
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He urged the government to involve experts such as intellectuals and criminologists in discussions aimed at addressing insecurity in Nigeria.
Gumi stressed that investments in social development and basic amenities could help address some of the underlying causes of insecurity in Nigeria.
Gumi said: “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 bring amenities to the society. That would have a big impact.”
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