Controversial Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has alleged that powerful foreign nations are backing terrorist groups and armed criminal networks operating across Nigeria, warning that the recent spike in deadly attacks is too sophisticated to be locally driven.
Gumi made the claim during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he argued that the sudden resurgence of violence — after months of relative calm — indicates the involvement of external actors with the capacity to destabilize the country.
According to him, the nature of weapons used in recent attacks points to foreign sponsorship.
“There was a statement made by some foreign nations, and for long we have suspected these terrorists and extremists. From the nature of their weapons, we realized they receive foreign support,” he said.
“These are powerful and wealthy foreign individuals who have the means to penetrate and interfere with the affairs of other nations.”
The cleric noted that key areas once considered safer — such as the Abuja–Kaduna highway and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State — have again come under attack after significant improvements in security earlier in the year.
Gumi suggested that the timing of renewed violence is linked to international discussions about Nigeria.
“Once Nigeria is accused of something, conflict suddenly erupts to make the narrative appear true,” he claimed.
Defending his long-standing position that government should engage in dialogue with bandits, Gumi argued that critics ignore the root causes of insurgency.
“What people do not talk about is this: what caused people we once lived peacefully with to turn against us and become a plague in society? There is a reason,” he said.
He described many of the perpetrators as acting out of ignorance, insisting that his outreach efforts to armed groups were undermined by the previous administration.
“When we tried to reach them and tell them it is forbidden to steal and kidnap, the government did not support us. Had that support been given, this issue would have been resolved.”
Responding to accusations that he sympathizes with criminals, Gumi said his actions are guided by religious responsibility and principles of conflict resolution.
“Our religion does not condone oppression. All what we are doing is for the sake of Allah,” he stated.
As of the time of this report, the Nigerian government has not responded to Gumi’s latest allegations.
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