The Nigerian government reportedly knows every terrorist by name and location, says Kaduna cleric, Abubakar Gumi.
Gumi made the claim during a recent interview, which began trending on Tuesday. He was responding to allegations that he personally knows and communicates with terrorists and bandits responsible for insecurity in parts of Nigeria and often speaks on their behalf.
“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”, Gumi said.
He added that some of these engagements have included visits to traditional rulers and 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 said.
Gumi has previously participated in dialogue initiatives with armed groups in northern Nigeria, insisting that negotiation could help reduce violence and persuade fighters to lay down their arms.
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