- Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised Nigerians calling for his arrest over his public comments on banditry and national security.
Gumi, who has long presented himself as a link between the government and armed groups, said he has been unfairly targeted for advocating dialogue instead of military force. His critics accuse him of protecting bandits and terrorists by urging the government to negotiate with them.
Reacting through his Facebook page, he described those calling for his arrest as people driven by ignorance and bigotry, insisting that he has done nothing illegal. He argued that his interactions with armed groups were aimed at securing peace, not supporting criminality.
Gumi recalled a major intervention he led in January 2021 in the Sabon Garin Yadi forest in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. He said he was escorted by the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, who represented the Inspector-General of Police.
According to him, the meeting involved more than 600 armed bandits and their commanders who were encouraged to surrender their weapons, embrace dialogue, and stop attacking communities. He said the discussions were conducted openly and with the knowledge of authorities.
Gumi explained that the bandits had agreed to drop their arms but made demands from the government, including basic amenities, protection from unlawful arrests, and assurances of safety. He said these conditions were never fulfilled, which caused the peace effort to collapse.
He questioned why the government failed to act on the negotiated conditions and why Nigerians chose to attack him instead of seeking real solutions to insecurity. He insisted that his role was to reduce violence, not support criminal groups.
Gumi also warned that criminalising differing opinions and silencing those advocating dialogue could worsen insecurity. He maintained that free speech is protected under the Nigerian constitution and that his critics are attempting to stifle lawful expression.
He urged Nigerians to set aside emotion and sentiment and instead focus on practical strategies for addressing banditry. He added that intolerance and hate will only deepen the country’s security problems.
The cleric ended with a prayer for national unity and cautioned against the dangers of bigotry and hostility toward opposing viewpoints.
Bandit attacks continue to plague several northern states, including Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina, where kidnapping, extortion, and ambushes disrupt travel and undermine development.
