The Department of State Security (DSS), has reportedly summoned a popular Islamic cleric and a self-acclaimed bandits negotiator, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, for questioning over his recent comments on the security system of Nigeria.
The controversial Kaduna-based cleric was said to have been invited to the Kaduna’s office of the DSS on Friday.
A report by the Voice of America (VOA), Hausa Service monitored on Friday, disclosed that Gumi was quizzed on his allegations that some bad elements in the nation’s Security system are colluding with bandits to perpetrate evil.
The New Diplomat had reported that Gumi, who spoke on the Arise TV, alleged that the weapons being used by the bandits are being shipped across the borders into the country with the knowledge of some bad elements in the nation’s security apparatus.
Gumi said: “These bandits, if you don’t know are operating with alot of bad elements in the our security system. This is a big business, many people are involved, I am still against everybody committing crime against this country.
“How can these big weapons get across our borders and get into the forest without the cooperation of some elements in the security system? It is not possible. If I give you the same weapon can you take it to the UK? You cannot get it there because their security system is alert.”
Reacting to the damning allegation by Gumi, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, described it as false and unfounded, adding that the members of the force carry out their responsibilities in the most professional manner in line with global best practices.
Also, Gumi’s spokesman, Malam Tukur Mamu in an interview with VOA Hausa, dismissed the allegations against Gumi, saying that his principal never categorically accused the entire military.
According to Mamu, what Gumi said was what people have been saying and “even the soldiers have been saying that there could be some bad eggs among them”.
