Gumi warns that foreign powers may be fueling Nigeria’s insecurity, urging stronger intelligence, diplomacy, and investigations to curb terrorist threats
Renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has sounded a stern warning over the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, asserting that foreign powers may be backing terrorist groups operating across the country.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Gumi expressed concern that the recent spike in violence contradicts earlier progress in national security and threatens to undermine gains achieved in several regions.
His statements have sparked national debate, highlighting the potential role of foreign-backed terrorism in perpetuating Nigeria’s insecurity.
According to Gumi, the resurgence of attacks is not random or isolated. The pattern, sophistication, and coordination of recent incidents suggest external support.
He stressed that understanding these dynamics is critical for the Nigerian government, which must take urgent measures to safeguard citizens, restore confidence, and prevent further escalation.
The Islamic scholar pointed out that despite months of improved security, including safer roads and restored livelihoods in some communities, the sudden reversal in stability raises serious questions that cannot be ignored.
One example highlighted by Gumi is the Abuja–Kaduna highway, historically one of the most dangerous routes in the country due to frequent kidnappings and armed ambushes.
In recent months, however, travelers along this corridor experienced a notable reduction in attacks.
Commuters, who had previously avoided the road or relied heavily on security escorts, began using it regularly once again, signaling a brief period of improved safety.
Similarly, farmers in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State—who had long abandoned their lands due to persistent threats—began returning to cultivate their farms, reflecting a gradual restoration of trust in security agencies.
Yet, as Gumi emphasized, the resurgence of violence across the North-West and other parts of the country demonstrates that these improvements were fragile and short-lived.
Entire villages have experienced fresh attacks, and communities that had begun rebuilding are now living in fear once more.
The Islamic scholar warned that this abrupt deterioration in security could not be explained solely by domestic factors, suggesting that foreign-backed terrorism might be playing a significant role in sustaining instability.
Experts note that weapons proliferation from conflict zones in the Sahel, including Libya, Mali, and Chad, has long been a challenge for Nigeria.
Smuggling networks across porous borders have allowed firearms and other military equipment to reach local armed groups, intensifying violence.
However, Gumi argues that external involvement extends beyond mere weapons supply.
He believes certain foreign entities may be intentionally exploiting Nigeria’s insecurity for political, economic, or strategic purposes, including destabilizing the country to weaken its influence in the region.
The implications of Gumi’s claims are profound. If foreign powers are indeed providing material or strategic support to terrorist groups, the Nigerian government faces a multi-layered security challenge.
This goes beyond policing and local law enforcement, requiring a combination of advanced intelligence operations, diplomatic engagement, and rigorous monitoring of external networks that may be fueling violence.
In addition to intelligence operations, Gumi stressed that diplomatic measures are crucial. Nigeria must actively engage with neighboring countries, regional blocs, and international partners to identify potential foreign actors contributing to insecurity.
Strengthening these diplomatic channels, according to the scholar, can help prevent external interference and create a united front against terrorism in West Africa.
He further suggested reviewing certain partnerships and scrutinizing foreign contractors, NGOs, or other entities operating in sensitive areas if evidence of complicity emerges.
Furthermore, Gumi emphasized the importance of community-based intelligence.
Local communities, traditional leaders, and clerics often possess unique insights into the movements and motivations of armed groups.
By integrating this knowledge into national security strategies, authorities can develop more effective early-warning systems and improve response mechanisms.
In regions like Birnin Gwari, community vigilance and collaboration with security forces previously contributed to brief improvements, showing the potential impact of such approaches when combined with state-led initiatives.
The Islamic scholar also pointed to the social and economic dimensions of insecurity. Many young people join armed groups due to poverty, lack of opportunities, and weak governance structures.
While foreign backing may exacerbate violence, addressing the root causes of recruitment is equally critical.
Gumi argued that without tackling socio-economic vulnerabilities, military and diplomatic efforts alone will not be sufficient to stabilize affected areas.
In light of these concerns, Gumi called on the Nigerian government to adopt a multi-pronged approach that combines intelligence gathering, proactive diplomacy, and socio-economic interventions.
Strengthening border security, enhancing surveillance, and monitoring financial flows linked to terrorism are all essential components of an effective strategy.
Equally important, he noted, is restoring citizens’ confidence in the government’s ability to provide safety and protect lives, which can encourage displaced populations to return home and resume productive activities.
The scholar’s warning has reignited public discourse on the role of foreign powers in Nigeria’s insecurity.
Some analysts argue that attributing violence to external actors must be carefully assessed to avoid overlooking domestic governance failures, including corruption, inadequate policing, and weak judicial systems.
However, Gumi insists that the evidence of foreign involvement, whether through funding, weapons supply, or strategic guidance, must be thoroughly investigated, alongside domestic factors, to develop a comprehensive response.
Ultimately, Gumi’s call underscores the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges.
The persistence of violent attacks, kidnappings, and community-targeted assaults demonstrates that insecurity is multi-dimensional, influenced by both internal weaknesses and potential foreign-backed terrorism.
A holistic approach, combining intelligence, diplomacy, and socio-economic interventions, is required to prevent further escalation and restore long-term stability.
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