Most Nigerians were taken aback when the controversial Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi told the world in a television programme recently that the Federal Government of Nigeria knows all the terrorists by their name and location.
To many, Gumi has just stated the obvious as many had, over the years, resolved that the Federal Government has a hand in the lingering insecurity in the country.
Those who had tenaciously held on to this view, refuse to accept that the Federal Government is doing anything to end the insecurity which has claimed thousands of lives in Nigeria.
They would always refer to the statement of the late head of state, Gen Sani Abacha that if insecurity persists for more than 48 hours at any given point in time, then the government should be held responsible.
Many Nigerians have latched on to late Abacha’s famous statement to hold the Federal Government responsible for the insecurity that has lasted for over a decade.
However, there are others who still believe that the Federal Government has been doing everything within its powers to bring to an end the insecurity in the land.
Nonetheless, many Nigerians have reacted with fury to Gumi’s claims that the Federal Government has detailed information on the identities and hideouts of terrorists operating across the country but failed to act.
Speaking in a recent DRTV interview, Gumi addressed the rumours that he negotiates with bandits on his own, insisting that he had always gone along with officers of the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, the military, and other security agents. He said his interactions with armed groups were coordinated closely with 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.
He revealed that some of his efforts took him deep into forests and remote communities, sometimes even accompanied by local women. “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 long advocated dialogue as a tool to reduce violence, often sparking controversy for interacting with groups considered enemies of the state. He argued that these efforts complement security operations rather than replace them, highlighting the importance of negotiation alongside law enforcement.
Observers note that Gumi’s approach underscores the complexity of addressing Nigeria’s insecurity, where military action alone may not suffice.
Despite these efforts, insecurity remains high in several northern states, prompting debate on whether dialogue initiatives have tangible results. Critics argue that without accountability and transparency, negotiations could inadvertently legitimise armed groups.
Gumi’s statements have reignited national conversations on counterterrorism strategies, with many Nigerians discussing the balance between dialogue, intelligence gathering and military action.
His insights suggest that tackling terrorism in Nigeria may require innovative approaches that merge community engagement with formal security measures.
However, his latest outburst and allegations have elicited criticisms from Nigerians, including those on social media, with many wondering why the government would possess such intelligence without acting on it.
Activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, alleged collusion between the government and criminals.
“Gumi is not lying. All these terrorists are in beds with people in the government. Whenever there is mass kidnapping, why do you think the government is able to hear from the terrorists? It is because they have their phone numbers,” he said.
Veteran musician, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “This is what leadership in Nigeria is up to, in bed with those who want to kill us.”
A social media user, who simply identified himself as Shuaibu, expressed surprise at the lack of official response.
“Gumi said boldly on national TV that Tinubu’s FG knows the names and locations of every terrorist in Nigeria. Yet, nothing is being done about this crucial issue. News outlets are not even giving it the attention it deserves,” he said.
Another user, Christiana Daniel, said: “Sheik Gumi is saying that the government knows these terrorists by name and location and has chosen to look the other way. Our government is complicit.”
Also, Capt. Arinze Odira, expressed shock at the revelation, saying, “Is this real or AI? I don’t want to believe that it is real. Just for me to be able to sleep well tonight, even if it is real, I will try to convince myself that he is lying.”
However, while a flurry of reactions are pouring in on social media, analysts are also critically dissecting the rationale behind this open confession at a time when the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump is busy fighting terrorism in Iran.
This is also coming months after Trump dealt a deadly blow on terrorism in Venezuela, leading to the arrest of the country’s president and eventual transfer to the USA where he is cooling off behind bars for terrorism-related crimes.
Looking at Gumi’s open confession at this material time, a foreign affairs analyst, Dr James Abaranje said it may have a grave negative implication for the current APC government.
He said: “This is not good for the current government. Remember America struck in Sokoto on December 25, 2025 and nobody knows what their next step will be.
“But, with this kind of revelation, although America already has their report about the security situation in Nigeria, Gumi’s revelation could expedite America’s action in Nigeria.
“It is very clear to the world that Trump would go after terrorists anywhere they are hiding in the world to destroy them.
“So, if Gumi is now saying that the Nigerian government knows the location and names of the terrorists in Nigeria but has refused to confront them, giving them the leverage to ride roughshod over Nigerians and kill thousands of Christians, don’t you think Trump would come after them with guns smoking as he had earlier promised?”
“Commonsense would tell the Federal Government that with Gumi’s revelation, it is only a matter of time before Trump storms Nigeria with guns blazing.”
