Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Mahmud Abubakar Gumi, has alleged that major foreign powers are supporting armed groups and terrorists operating in Nigeria.
The cleric made this claim during an interview with BBC Hausa.
According to Gumi, the recent spike in insecurity across the country points to the involvement of influential external actors.
He suggested that the current pattern of violence indicates that foreign entities may be fueling the crisis.
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The cleric highlighted that attacks had decreased in several regions until recently.
He used the Abuja-Kaduna highway as an example, noting that what was once a dangerous route for travelers had become relatively safe.
He also mentioned that many farmers in Birnin Gwari have returned to their farmlands, a situation he said would have been impossible when insecurity was at its peak in the past.
Gumi alleged that the renewed surge in insecurity occurred after recent discussions about Nigeria involving foreign countries.
“There was a statement made by some foreign nations, and for long we have suspected these terrorists and extremists, and from the nature of their weapons, we realised they receive support foreign support.”
“These are powerful and wealthy foreign individuals who have the means to penetrate and interfere with the affairs of other nations.”
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On the recent surge in attacks, the cleric said it was not surprising that once Nigeria is accused of something, a conflict suddenly erupts to make the narrative appear true.
On his position about dialogue with bandits, he said, “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 the society? There is a reason.”
“There are two kinds of people whose actions should not shock anyone, the insane and the ignorant. There is no amount of explanation you give them that will make them understand that wrongdoing is wrong.”
“Everything they do is destructive. But who will advise them to stop? When we tried to reach them and tell them it is forbidden to steal, forbidden to take people’s wealth and forbidden to kidnap, the previous government did not support us. Had that support been given, this issue would have been resolved by now.”
Gumi warned that unless the root causes of the current unrest were addressed, the crisis would persist.
He also cautioned that his approach to combating insecurity, particularly through negotiations, should not be misinterpreted as supporting bandits. Gumi offered an explanation, stating that “Our religion does not condone oppression; all what we are doing is for the sake of Allah.”
