Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Mahmud Abubakar Gumi, has alleged that wealthy foreign actors are helping terrorists and bandits operate in Nigeria. He made the claim during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he addressed the current spike in insecurity across several regions.
Foreign Interests Behind Rising Violence – Gumi
According to the cleric, recent improvements in some areas—such as the Abuja–Kaduna highway—show that violence can be controlled. However, he believes fresh attacks in other locations reveal hidden international involvement.
Gumi argued that powerful foreign groups are using extremist elements as tools to destabilize the country. He said these individuals possess the financial influence to interfere in the affairs of other nations.
“We have long accused terrorists and religious extremists of being used by external forces. Now, we are realizing that wealthy foreigners are helping them,” he stated.
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Corruption Makes the Crisis Worse
The scholar also blamed corruption within Nigeria’s system for worsening insecurity. He warned that certain individuals in positions of authority either benefit from or ignore criminal activities, making the fight against banditry more difficult.
He explained that when Nigeria faces an allegation internationally, sudden violence seems to appear as if to “prove the allegation right.”
“Peace Still Requires Force”
Responding to comments from Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Gen. C.G. Musa (rtd.), who insisted that the government will not negotiate with bandits, Gumi agreed that the military must continue to enforce order.
Still, he insisted that reconciliation remains necessary if peace is to be sustainable.
“Even Islam does not support violence,” he said. “We approach bandits to preach that kidnapping and forcefully taking people’s property is haram. If the government continued supporting those efforts earlier, things would have been different today.”
He emphasized that he does not support criminal groups but aims to guide them away from wrongdoing through religious teachings.
Gumi Speaks on Nnamdi Kanu
Gumi also commented on the case involving Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed IPOB group. He expressed willingness to advocate forgiveness if Kanu:
- Accepts peaceful terms
- Shows genuine remorse
- Orders his supporters to lay down their weapons
He compared the situation to past national reconciliations:
- Former President Shehu Shagari’s pardon of Odumegwu Ojukwu after the civil war
- President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s amnesty granted to Niger Delta militants
“We push for forgiveness because it reduces suffering for everyone,” Gumi noted.
Public Reaction
Gumi’s comments have reignited discussions about:
- The role of foreign influence in Nigeria’s insecurity
- The possibility of dialogue with bandits
- The balance between military action and negotiation
Many Nigerians remain divided—some believe negotiations encourage criminals, while others say it offers a path to peace.
Credit: Allschool, Allcbt
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