… Many people across the world have expressed concern about the United States President’s temperament and decision-making style, with potential global consequences, access to nuclear capabilities, the world should not be exposed to unnecessary risks stemming from impaired judgment
*‘There are strong indications that certain foreign interests may benefit from a weakened and unstable Nigeria’
*‘On Iran war: any act of aggression against a sovereign nation is a violation of international law and is morally indefensible. Respect for sovereignty and adherence to established global norms are essential for maintaining international peace and stability’
*‘If I meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I will recommend establishing a well-equipped, properly structured forest guard system across the country, particularly in forested regions, Ministry of Livestock should be adequately funded and empowered to address the longstanding challenges faced by pastoral communities’
*‘The conspicuous display of wealth by the political class, in stark contrast to widespread poverty, can fuel resentment and indirectly exacerbate insecurity’
*“My interactions with herdsmen agitators have always been conducted transparently and in coordination with government authorities and security agencies. There has never been any clandestine or independent engagement outside official awareness”–Dr. GUMI
SHEIKH Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi is a highly celebrated Nigerian Islamic scholar who preaches against society ills in Africa’s most populous black nation in the world. He dislikes oppression, bullies, liars and violence. He’s a man who believes in fighting for the less privilege in the society, seeking peace at all costs to ensure terrorism, banditry and lawlessness have no place in Nigeria.
In recent late 2025 and early 2026 interviews, Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Gumi strongly advocates for negotiating with bandits to restore peace in Northern Nigeria, arguing that dialogue is more effective than military force. He contends that many bandits are driven by vengeance and lack proper education, suggesting that rehabilitation, education, and addressing their demands for infrastructure, like boreholes, is key. He argues that military action alone cannot solve the banditry crisis, calling for peace initiatives, including engaging communities to interact and educate the herdsmen.
He reportedly claimed in earlier media reports that the government has not fully implemented previous agreements with bandits, leading to the failure of past peace efforts.
He studied medicine at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later obtained a Ph. D in Islamic Jurisprudence and Tafsir from Umm al-Qura University in Mecca. He gained influence through preaching at Kaduna’s Sultan Bello Mosque.
In this viral interactive session, Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Gumi spoke to NAIJA STANDARD NEWSPAPER INC USA, Texas Editorial Board on raging issues related to how insecurity, banditry could end in Nigeria, the Iran War and his views of the United States President, Donald John Trump:
*NAIJA STANDARD: What is your take on the rising state of insecurity and banditry mostly in the Northern parts of Nigeria?
The situation is driven by a combination of interrelated factors. Economic hardship has deepened, particularly with the removal of government subsidies on essential goods and services. This is compounded by widening social inequality, widespread unemployment, and declining educational standards. At the same time, there is a visible contrast between the struggles of the majority and the extreme affluence of the political class.
More critically, a significant portion of the country, over 70% in practical terms-remains largely ungoverned. Thousands of villages, hamlets, and forested areas have little to no meaningful presence of the state. These conditions collectively create an environment-a veritable breeding ground-for insecurity and banditry to thrive.
*NAIJA STANDARD: What are the best steps the Federal Government can take to finally put an end to terrorism in Nigeria?
The central solution lies in proper governance. This includes ensuring socio-economic justice through a fair and equitable distribution of national wealth. The government must prioritize the provision of essential social amenities-such as clean water, reliable electricity, accessible healthcare, and quality education-especially for the ordinary citizen.
When people feel included, supported, and given real opportunities, the incentives that drive insecurity begin to diminish significantly.
*NAIJA STANDARD: Do you think the Nigerian government should grant Amnesty to all terrorists in the country if they drop their arms, reorientate them, and give them jobs as was done by the late President, Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua’s administration to the Niger Delta agitators?
Any approach that genuinely stops bloodshed and prevents the continued massacre of innocent civilians deserves serious consideration. In that sense, no viable option should be dismissed outright. However, where the state has the capacity to enforce security effectively, those who have committed grave crimes must be held accountable and brought to justice.
That said, when security forces are overstretched and casualties among them are high-indicating a weakened capacity to maintain order-then pragmatic solutions become necessary. In such circumstances, an amnesty program, similar to what was implemented for Niger Delta militants, may be a practical means to restore stability
*NAIJA STANDARD: Why do you think the latest list released by the Office of Nigeria Security Adviser, absolves you of any complicity or involvement by giving you a clean slate of record when it mentioned 48 individuals who are supporters or sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria?
With due respect, I consider that question misplaced. My interactions with herdsmen agitators have always been conducted transparently and in coordination with government authorities and security agencies. There has never been any clandestine or independent engagement outside official awareness.
*NAIJA STANDARD: Are politicians the problems of Nigeria?
I do not believe that politicians are directly involved in insecurity by deliberate action. However, negligence in governance and the failure to address pressing socio-economic issues have contributed significantly to the problem.
Additionally, the conspicuous display of wealth by the political class, in stark contrast to widespread poverty, can fuel resentment and indirectly exacerbate insecurity, as previously noted.
*NAIJA STANDARD: If you meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today face-to-face and you are asked what to do to end terrorism in Nigeria forever, what will you advise?
I recommend establishing a well-equipped, properly structured forest guard system across the country, particularly in forested regions. This force could include trained personnel drawn from local communities, including herdsmen, who understand the terrain and dynamics of these areas.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Livestock should be adequately funded and empowered to address the longstanding challenges faced by pastoral communities. Finally, there should be a pathway for peace-offering structured rehabilitation and reintegration opportunities to repentant members of groups such as IPOB and Boko Haram, where feasible.
*NAIJA STANDARD: Do you think foreign interests or international institutions are behind the terrorism problems in Nigeria?
It is difficult to ignore the role of external interests. The question that naturally arises is: who supplies these groups with arms, funding, and logistical support? Such capabilities often point beyond local actors.
There are strong indications that certain foreign interests may benefit from a weakened and unstable Nigeria, and this possibility should not be overlooked.
*NAIJA STANDARD: What is your position on the Iran-Isreali crisis and how will you describe what the United States government under President Donald Trump is doing in the Gulf nations?
On Iran war, any act of aggression against a sovereign nation is a violation of international law and is morally indefensible. Respect for sovereignty and adherence to established global norms are essential for maintaining international peace and stability.
*NAIJA STANDARD: How best can you describe Donald Trump, the American President in character and behavior?
Many people across the world have expressed concern about his temperament and decision-making style. From a medical standpoint, I believe it would be prudent for any leader wielding such immense power to undergo a thorough psychological evaluation.
Given the potential global consequences, especially with access to nuclear capabilities, it is only reasonable to ensure that the world is not exposed to unnecessary risks stemming from impaired judgment.
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