Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on the Nigerian government to adopt negotiation and stronger border control as key strategies to end terrorism, rejecting the policy of non-engagement with insurgents.
Ahmad Gumi has urged the Nigerian government to reconsider its stance on non-negotiation with terrorists, arguing that dialogue remains the most viable path to ending the country’s protracted insecurity.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the Kaduna-based cleric criticised what he described as a “Western slogan” against negotiating with terrorists, warning that Nigeria risks remaining trapped in a cycle of violence without adopting alternative strategies. He also stressed the need to secure the nation’s borders, noting that porous frontiers continue to undermine efforts to combat terrorism.
Drawing parallels with global geopolitics, Gumi cited ongoing tensions involving the United States and Iran, arguing that even major powers engage in negotiations despite public posturing. He said, “Recently, Iran, in response to threats from the United States, declared that if its civilian infrastructure were attacked, it would retaliate by targeting power stations and desalination facilities in neighboring Gulf Arab states. In essence, the message is clear: if I cannot strike you directly, I will strike your closest allies as a form of deterrence. It is a warning that says—if you truly value your partners, then restrain your aggression. This reflects the grim reality of a world where no single actor holds a monopoly over the means of violence. Power is diffused, and retaliation is no longer confined to confrontation. Unfortunately, those perceived as superior powers often resist compromise. They hesitate to accept what they interpret as the humiliation of ‘defeat’ at the negotiation table. This is where Pakistan has stepped in—as a mediator helping to de-escalate tensions and prevent further escalation. Would Pakistan now be accused of aiding terrorism? Unlikely. Even the United States appears to recognize the gravity of the situation. The economic cost of prolonged conflict is becoming unbearable—not just for the parties involved, but for the global community at large.”
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