Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Mahmoud Gumi has accused unnamed foreign powers of secretly assisting terrorist groups responsible for Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. He said recent attacks indicate that armed groups may be receiving support from outside the country.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa monitored in Kaduna, Gumi argued that the sudden resurgence of violence contradicts earlier signs of progress in restoring peace to many troubled areas.

According to him, both government officials and residents had begun to notice improved security along key routes such as the Abuja to Kaduna highway. The road was previously notorious for bandits who kidnapped travellers almost daily. He also noted that farmers in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, had returned to abandoned fields as threats reduced, giving hope that communities were regaining their livelihood.

Renewed Attacks Raise Suspicion

Gumi stressed that the recent wave of coordinated assaults suggests external influence might be at play. The cleric questioned how criminal elements managed to recover strength so rapidly despite several military operations targeting them.

Security observers have also voiced growing concerns that weapons flowing into the hands of militants are often sophisticated and sourced through international trafficking networks. Experts argue that this raises the possibility of foreign financiers exploiting Nigeria’s weak border control and political instability to fuel insurgency.

Call for Stronger Government Action

Gumi urged authorities to widen their intelligence efforts by investigating potential foreign sponsors of terrorism. He advised the government to collaborate more deeply with international partners, strengthen diplomatic efforts and ensure any external support for armed groups is exposed and blocked.

While the Nigerian government has repeatedly stated that it is committed to defeating terrorism, analysts insist that identifying its full financial and ideological backing remains a crucial step toward lasting peace.

The cleric concluded his remarks by warning that Nigeria’s fight against terrorism will remain difficult if the country underestimates the global forces influencing its internal security challenges.