Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, a Nigerian Islamic cleric, medical doctor, and former army captain, has disclosed details of a recent engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and senior security officials on the country’s insecurity challenges.
Gumi made the disclosure during an interview from 21:11 aired on Trust TV on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. During the programme, Gumi was asked whether he had met with the President or had been invited to contribute ideas toward addressing Nigeria’s security situation.
Responding to the question, he said, “Yes, just less than a month ago, under the tutelage of the Sultan of Sokoto, a lot of scholars gathered together.”
He explained that the meeting provided direct access to key government figures, stating, “We had a one-on-one with the NSA and the President himself and talked about all the security issues and showed him the way out.”
According to Gumi, the discussions included guidance and cautions directed at the President regarding decision-making. He said, “And we also warned him that, look, there are two kinds of advisors.”
He added, “Every leader has two kinds of advisors. Those who are calling him to do bad and those who are calling him to do good.” He noted that the President was advised to exercise caution, stating, “So, he should be very careful of who he listens to.”
Gumi further explained that inclusiveness was highlighted as part of the proposed approach to tackling insecurity. He stated, “And one of the ways out of this quagmire is that every stakeholder in the issue of insecurity should be involved.”
He also acknowledged steps taken by the federal government, saying, “And we praise his efforts to establish a state police or encourage states to produce.”
Referencing recent developments at the subnational level, Gumi said, “Like we have seen in Kano State just recently launching their own.” He added that similar efforts had been made elsewhere, stating, “Zamfara too have done something that needs to be expanded.”
The cleric also spoke on additional security initiatives discussed during the engagement. He stated, “And also the Forest Guard, very importantly, it needs to be supported.” He noted that the initiative falls under federal coordination, saying, “Which is under the office of the NSA.”
According to him, “It’s a very big step towards putting an end to this banditry, to this culture wrestling and all the issues we have.”
Assessing the overall direction of the government’s efforts, Gumi said, “So, I think we are on course.” He, however, expressed concern about external interference, adding, “But you see, whenever we are on course, these people, these foreigners that don’t want peace, they will just come and disturb us and start to bring instability in the country.”
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