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Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Abubakar Gumi has claimed that the Nigerian government is aware of the identities and locations of terrorists operating in the country.
The cleric made the allegation while speaking during a recent interview with DRTV, which started trending on Tuesday.
Gumi was responding to suggestions that he personally knows and interacts with terrorists and bandits responsible for insecurity in parts of Nigeria, and that he advocates on their behalf.
According to him, his engagements with the groups are not carried out alone but involve security agencies.
“The government knows every terrorist by name and by location. I don’t go alone to negotiate — I go with the police, military, and other security agencies,” he said.
The cleric also explained that during some of the engagements, he visited traditional leaders and even travelled into forests where bandits are believed to operate.
“I would go to the Emirs. In fact, when we went to one forest, I even went with women into the bush,” he added.
Gumi has previously been involved in controversial dialogue efforts with armed groups in northern Nigeria, arguing that negotiation could help reduce violence and encourage disarmament.
