The cleric spoke while responding to allegations that he personally knows and maintains contact with terrorists and bandits responsible for insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria.
Gumi has previously been involved in dialogue initiatives with armed groups, arguing that negotiations could help reduce violence and encourage fighters to lay down their weapons.
During the interview, Gumi rejected claims that he engages armed groups independently. He said security agencies are aware of his interactions and sometimes participate in such engagements.
According to him, the government is fully informed about the individuals involved in terrorist activities and their locations across the country.
He stated, “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 also said some of the engagements involved visiting traditional rulers and traveling to forest areas believed to serve as hideouts for bandits.
He added that in one instance he travelled into the forest with others, including women, as part of efforts to communicate with the armed groups.
The remarks come amid ongoing national debate about insecurity and the role of dialogue or negotiation in addressing banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.
Gumi has repeatedly advocated discussions with armed groups as a strategy for reducing violence in affected regions.
