Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Gumi claimed the sudden escalation of violence — after months of relative calm — suggests the invisible hands of foreign actors with the capacity and resources to destabilise the country.
Controversial Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has alleged that some major foreign powers are backing armed groups and terrorist networks operating across Nigeria, warning that the recent surge in deadly attacks is too coordinated to be local.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Gumi claimed the sudden escalation of violence — after months of relative calm — suggests the invisible hands of foreign actors with the capacity and resources to destabilise the country.
According to him, the pattern of attacks in recent days is a clear signal that external forces are fuelling Nigeria’s insecurity.
The cleric, who has long advocated negotiations with armed groups, pointed to the Abuja–Kaduna highway — once one of the nation’s most dangerous routes — noting that the road had become significantly safer until the recent wave of attacks.
He also said residents of Birnin Gwari, a longtime epicentre of banditry, had begun returning to their farmlands before violence suddenly resurfaced.
Gumi linked the renewed bloodshed to international conversations about Nigeria.
“There was a statement made by some foreign nations, and for long we have suspected these terrorists and extremists, and from the nature of their weapons, we realised they receive support foreign support.
“These are powerful and wealthy foreign individuals who have the means to penetrate and interfere with the affairs of other nations.”
He insisted the timing of the latest incidents was suspicious.
“Once Nigeria is accused of something, conflict suddenly erupts to make the narrative appear true,” he said.
Addressing criticisms of his long-standing call for dialogue with bandits, Gumi argued that the public often ignores the root causes of the insurgency.
“Everyone knows them. But what people do not talk about is this: what caused people we once lived peacefully with to turn against us and become a plague in the society? There is a reason,” he insisted.
He described the perpetrators as people acting out of ignorance and misguidance, saying, “There are two kinds of people whose actions should not shock anyone — the insane and the ignorant. Whatever they do is destructive.”
He claimed that his efforts to preach to the armed groups were frustrated by the previous administration.
“When we tried to reach them and tell them it is forbidden to steal, forbidden to kidnap, the government did not support us. Had that support been given, this issue would have been resolved.”
Responding to critics who accuse him of defending criminals, Gumi insisted his approach is rooted in religious obligation and conflict-resolution principles — not sympathy for armed groups.
“Our religion does not condone oppression. All what we are doing is for the sake of Allah,” he said.