Sheikh Gumi Defends Role in Bandit Negotiations, Cites Past Success with 600 Surrenders

Sheikh Gumi Defends Role in Bandit Negotiations, Cites Past Success with 600 Surrenders

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has hit back at critics demanding his arrest over alleged collaboration with criminal bandits. Speaking publicly, Gumi defended his controversial role in negotiating with armed groups, highlighting his past efforts in fostering peace in Nigeria’s troubled regions.
According to the cleric, he once successfully facilitated the surrender of 600 bandits through dialogue and negotiation. He described these efforts as a humanitarian mission aimed at restoring peace and reducing violence, rather than supporting criminal activity.
Gumi’s critics have argued that engaging with bandits could embolden criminal networks, but the cleric insists that peaceful dialogue remains the most effective way to end persistent attacks in states like Kaduna, Zamfara, and Katsina. He emphasized that his interventions are guided by a desire to save lives and prevent further bloodshed.
This defense adds to ongoing debates around the ethics and legality of negotiating with armed groups in Nigeria. While some view Gumi as a mediator bringing hope to conflict-ridden communities, others question whether such engagements undermine the rule of law.
The discussion over Sheikh Gumi’s role is far from over, with authorities and civil society closely watching how negotiations with bandits evolve in the coming months.