Sheikh Gumi Denies Supporting Terrorism, Defends Dialogue with Bandits

Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has denied allegations linking him to banditry and terrorism, insisting his calls for dialogue and amnesty for repentant bandits are aimed at achieving peace in Nigeria’s northwest.

In a statement on Monday, Gumi urged the military to shift from a purely kinetic approach to addressing the banditry crisis, arguing that military force alone has failed to end the violence that has displaced millions.

The cleric has been a vocal advocate for engaging bandits in dialogue, a position that has drawn sharp criticism from security experts and victims of bandit attacks.

Call for Amnesty Programme

Gumi defended his proposal for an amnesty programme for repentant bandits, comparing it to the Safe Corridor initiative for former Boko Haram fighters in the northeast.

“We cannot kill our way out of this crisis. We need to address the root causes and offer a path to rehabilitation for those willing to lay down their arms,” Gumi said.

The statement comes as the military has intensified operations against bandit groups in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger states, with hundreds of fighters reportedly neutralized in recent months.

Sources: Guardian, Daily Trust