No Government Can Fully Eradicate Terrorism, Urges Dialogue Over Force
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric, has said that no government is capable of completely eliminating terrorism, warning that military force alone will not resolve Nigeria’s security crisis.
Speaking in a recent address, Gumi argued that terrorists and bandits in Nigeria are not simply irredeemable militants but “reasonable human beings” who “listen and reason.” He suggested that responding with violence could worsen the problem and urged for more dialogue and engagement with these armed groups.
Gumi highlighted the experience of other countries, noting that even powerful nations struggle to fully wipe out extremism. “If you say you want to use force against force, then you will compound the problem,” he said, cautioning that bombing or heavy-handed military action may deepen societal divisions and lead to greater instability.
He also expressed concern over foreign military intervention in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts. In a separate statement, Gumi and the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) rejected calls for external involvement, framing them as a threat to the country’s sovereignty.
Gumi’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the government to arrest and prosecute him, accusing him of defending terrorists and giving intellectual backing to violence.
On the other hand, some security experts and political leaders echo Gumi’s broader point that a purely military strategy is insufficient: Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani recently stressed that addressing terrorism requires a comprehensive approach that tackles root causes such as poverty, exclusion, and poor governance.
Meanwhile, the federal government has reiterated its commitment to working with international partners to fight terror. The Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, noted ongoing cooperation with the U.S. and highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to bolster its counterterrorism operations.