Nigerian govt being misled by Western slogan of not negotiating with terrorists – Gumi

Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has urged the Nigerian government not to rely on what he described as a “Western slogan” in the push to tackle terrorism.

Gumi made the remark while noting that the Nigerian government cannot engage terrorists in a negotiation deal.

Posting on Facebook, the Islamic scholar warned that such a stance may not reflect practical realities.

Gumi made the comments while stressing that insecurity in Nigeria would persist if the nation’s borders remain weak and difficult to police.

Writing on X, he said: “Conversely, when the government intensifies its military response, civilians frequently suffer as collateral damage. Thus, the same group ends up bearing the consequences from both sides.”

According to him, breaking the cycle may require what he described as a “Pakistan-style” intervention, an independent mediator capable of opening dialogue channels and easing tensions.

He added, “We should not be misled by the Western slogan, ‘We don’t negotiate with terrorists.’

“In practice, negotiations do occur. Even now, engagement is happening with Iran, labeled by some as part of an ‘axis of evil,’ while Iran, in turn, views the United States as its greatest adversary.”