Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Abubakar Gumi has alleged that the Nigeria government is aware of the identities and locations of terrorists operating across the country.
The cleric made the claim during a recent interview with DRTV, which began trending on Tuesday.
Gumi was reacting to accusations that he personally knows and regularly interacts with terrorists and bandits responsible for insecurity in parts of Nigeria, and that he often speaks on their behalf.
Responding to the claims, the Islamic scholar said his engagements with armed groups are not carried out alone, insisting that security agencies are involved in the process.
“The government knows every terrorist by name and by location. I don’t go alone to negotiate, I go with the police and other security agencies,” he said.
Gumi further stated that some of the engagements have included visits to traditional rulers as well as trips into forests believed to be hideouts for bandits.
“I would go to the Emirs. In fact, when we went to one forest, I even went with women into the bush,” he added.
The cleric has previously participated in controversial dialogue initiatives with armed groups in northern Nigeria, arguing that negotiation could help reduce violence and encourage fighters to lay down their arms.