Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Abubakar Gumi has asserted that the Nigerian government has detailed knowledge of the identities and locations of terrorists operating across the country.
Speaking in a recent interview with DRTV, which gained significant attention on Tuesday, Gumi addressed claims that he personally knows and communicates with terrorists and bandits responsible for insecurity in certain regions, often speaking on their behalf.
“The government knows every terrorist by name and by location. I don’t go alone to negotiate — I go with the police and other security agencies,” he said.
Gumi also revealed that some of his engagements with these armed groups have included visits to traditional rulers as well as trips into forests believed to serve as hideouts for bandits. “I would go to the Emirs. In fact, when we went to one forest, I even went with women into the bush,” he added.
The scholar has previously participated in high-profile dialogue initiatives with armed groups in northern Nigeria, stressing that negotiation can be a viable strategy to reduce violence and encourage militants to surrender.
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