Renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has stirred national debate after alleging that foreign powers are providing material and strategic support to terrorist groups operating within Nigeria.
Gumi, speaking during a public lecture, claimed that Nigeria’s prolonged insecurity crisis cannot be fully understood without examining the “external interests” that benefit from instability in West Africa’s most populous nation.
He argued that terrorism thrives when foreign actors supply arms, exploit internal divisions and take advantage of weak border control systems.
Security experts have reacted cautiously to the remarks, noting that while global arms trafficking networks exist, such claims require concrete evidence to avoid political or diplomatic tension.
Gumi, who has in the past served as an intermediary during bandit negotiation efforts, urged the Nigerian government to strengthen border security, intensify intelligence operations, and conduct diplomatic engagements aimed at blocking external support for violent groups.
The cleric’s comments have sparked renewed conversation on the international dimensions of Nigeria’s security challenges, especially as kidnappings, banditry and extremist violence continue to threaten several regions.
