Negotiators Fueling Terrorism in Nigeria: The Rise of Banditry and the Fall of Negotiations

Strategic Insights -

The rogue activities of some prominent individuals in Nigeria have emboldened bandits to continue their violent crimes, fueled by lucrative ransom payments, frustrating the federal government's efforts to combat terrorism.

The involvement of Islamic cleric Sheikh Abubakar Gumi and his associate Tukur Mamu in negotiating with bandits has made kidnapping a highly profitable business in Nigeria. Gumi's outreach to bandits in Zamfara State, meeting with over 600 heavily armed bandits, sparked public outrage and raised suspicions that President Muhammadu Buhari's administration was using the cleric to test waters for an eventual amnesty to the terrorists.

Gumi's campaign for the bandits to be granted amnesty further fanned the flames of public indignation. His association with bandits, particularly Fulani herdsmen, was seen as a special privilege not extended to other regions, such as the Niger Delta. Gumi's role in facilitating the release of kidnapped victims and his involvement in negotiating with bandits has made it easier for terrorists to engage in abductions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Abubakar Gumi has been involved in negotiating with bandits in various parts of Nigeria, sparking public outrage and suspicion of the federal government's complicity.
  • Gumi's outreach to bandits has made kidnapping a highly lucrative business in Nigeria, emboldening terrorists to engage in violent crimes.
  • Gumi's association with bandits, particularly Fulani herdsmen, has raised concerns about his motives and the potential for special treatment.
  • The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has met with Gumi to seek the release of hundreds of abducted students across the country.
  • Relations of kidnapped victims who have benefited from Gumi's gestures claim they paid ransom for their loved ones' release,although Gumi denies these allegations.
  • Analysts have alleged that the controversial cleric must have been benefiting from ransoms paid to the abductors for the release of their captives.
  • Tukur Mamu, Gumi's associate, was arrested in Cairo, Egypt, and repatriated to Nigeria, where he is being held in custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) for his alleged involvement in international terrorism.

Statistics:

  • Over 150 armed Fulani bandits, with their commander Bello, met with Sheikh Abubakar Gumi at Tubali Forest in Zamfara State.
  • More than 600 heavily armed bandits, led by commander Kachalla Turji, also met with Gumi at Makkai Forest in Zamfara State.
  • 27 students of Government Science College in Kagara, Niger State, were released after Gumi met with bandits in Bangi forest in February 2021.
  • 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry in Kaduna were abducted on March 12, 2021, with 10 released after their parents paid N17 million ransom, and the remaining 29 students regaining their freedom on May 5, 2021, after 54 days in captivity.
  • Gumi secured the release of four children, their parents, and a 60-year-old woman on August 2022, following the gory video images of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

Sources:

  • The Cable
  • The Punch
  • The Guardian