Christopher Musa has launched a scathing attack on controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, declaring that “a friend of a thief is a thief” amid growing tensions over the cleric’s repeated engagement with armed groups.
Musa’s remarks came in response to Gumi’s comments on Nigeria’s security challenges and his longstanding interactions with bandits, which have continued to spark public debate.
The Defence Minister argued that anyone who consistently associates with criminal elements risks being perceived as sharing their cause, stressing that the country’s fight against banditry and terrorism requires unwavering support for security forces rather than sympathy for violent groups.
His comments are expected to intensify the already heated debate over Gumi’s role in efforts to negotiate with armed gangs, a strategy that has divided opinion across Nigeria.
Sheikh Gumi has repeatedly defended his contacts with bandits, insisting they are aimed at encouraging dialogue and securing peace. However, critics argue that such engagements risk legitimising criminal groups responsible for widespread killings, kidnappings and displacement across northern Nigeria.
