Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Abubakar Gumi has alleged that the Nigerian government is aware of the identities and locations of terrorists operating across the country.
Gumi made the claim during a recent interview with DRTV, which began circulating widely online on Tuesday.
The cleric was reacting to accusations that he personally knows and interacts with terrorists and bandits responsible for insecurity in parts of Nigeria, and that he advocates on their behalf.
Responding to the claims, Gumi said his engagements with the groups are carried out alongside 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 also explained that some of the meetings required travelling deep into areas where armed groups 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 taken part in controversial dialogue efforts with armed groups in northern Nigeria, arguing that negotiation could help reduce violence and encourage disarmament.
