Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has raised concerns about the ongoing conflict between bandits in the North-West and North-Central regions of Nigeria and the Nigerian military.
Gumi has accused the Nigerian authorities of pushing these bandits into adopting extremist ideologies similar to those of Boko Haram, the notorious insurgent group operating in the North-East.
Gumi’s warning comes in the wake of a recent video showing a jubilant terrorism kingpin, Bello Turji, and his armed followers celebrating their so-called “victory” over the Nigerian military.
The video, which depicts Turji’s group celebrating after burning down two Nigerian military Mines Resistant Armored Personnel (MRAP) vehicles in Zamfara State, has sparked fears that the bandits are now embracing the religious extremism that characterizes Boko Haram.
In a Facebook post, Gumi explained that this development marks a dangerous shift from the bandits’ initial motivations, which he claims were rooted in ethnic grievances.
“Initially, bandits were fighting an ethnic war that could easily be resolved,” Gumi wrote.
“I warned if the kinetic approach is intensified, they will turn into ideologically motivated guerilla warfare. Nobody listened.”
He further elaborated on the gravity of the situation, noting, “The difference between the former and the latter is that ideological war is mostly intractable, BH (Boko Haram) as an example. They commit the same crime, but this time, they think they are serving God. The picture is gloomy.”
The video, which circulated online last week, showed Turji and his bandits chanting “Allahu Akbar” and proclaiming their “victory” over the army.
In the footage, Turji is heard warning the Nigerian military, saying, “Bello Turji has seized two trucks. Nigerian Army Bello Turji is coming for you, Insha Allah, if you don’t allow peace to reign. We are telling you and your clerics that we are with Allah.”
This troubling turn of events underscores the complexities of the ongoing conflict in Nigeria’s northern regions and highlights the potential for further escalation if the bandits fully adopt extremist ideologies.
Gumi’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with a purely military approach to addressing the crisis.