Outrage Trails Sheikh Gumi’s Remarks on Kidnappers, Terror Financing

Prominent Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has come under intense criticism from Nigerians following remarks widely perceived as sympathetic to armed groups involved in kidnapping and banditry across the country.

Gumi, during an interview with African Independent Television, reportedly stated that terrorists and bandits rely heavily on ransom payments from kidnappings to sustain their operations amid increased military pressure.

“The terrorists need all the money they’re getting from kidnapping. It’s not like they are living luxurious lives; the government is putting too much pressure on them so they need money to finance their war machines,” he was quoted as saying.

He further stated that abandoning banditry would cut off the groups’ means of financing their operations, comments that immediately sparked outrage on social media.

Many Nigerians accused the cleric of appearing to rationalise or defend criminal groups responsible for widespread killings, abductions, and insecurity in several parts of the country.

Reacting online, a user identified as @UmehWrites alleged that the cleric’s comments suggested alignment with terrorist groups, questioning why authorities had not taken action against him.

Another user, @mc1yke, claimed that individuals accused of sympathising with terrorist organisations were being allowed to operate freely despite the country’s worsening security situation.

@SwitchNigeriaNG argued that political considerations may be shielding controversial figures from prosecution, while @NigIsland described any attempt to justify kidnapping as “a total disgrace.”

Some reactions were even more pointed, with @Benjinku alleging that Gumi had previously faced restrictions abroad, while @KingByronX questioned the timing and sensitivity of such remarks amid ongoing kidnappings and attacks nationwide.

Others, including @PhoenixTv01 and @FubaraD1, expressed anger over what they described as perceived double standards in the handling of individuals accused of making statements linked to terrorism or criminality.

The controversy has reignited public debate over the role of influential figures in discussions surrounding Nigeria’s security crisis, with many Nigerians calling for accountability over comments viewed as sympathetic to armed groups.

Nigeria has continued to battle persistent insecurity, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions, where banditry, kidnappings, and terrorist attacks have claimed thousands of lives and displaced many communities.