According to a report by The Sun on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has advised the Nigerian government to reconsider its stance on negotiating with armed groups, saying that rejecting dialogue entirely may not be the most effective approach in addressing ongoing insecurity in the country.
He made his position known through a statement shared on his social media page, where he reflected on the broader strategies being used globally in dealing with armed conflicts and insurgency situations.
His comments focused on the need for practical solutions that could reduce violence and protect vulnerable communities affected by insecurity across different parts of Nigeria.
In his statement, Sheikh Gumi argued that negotiation should not be dismissed as a tool in resolving conflicts involving armed groups.
He maintained that dialogue has the potential to help reduce violence and create pathways for peace in situations where military action alone may not bring lasting stability.
According to him, the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria have persisted over the years, and alternative approaches may be necessary to complement existing efforts.
He suggested that rigid positions on non-negotiation could limit opportunities for resolving complex security issues that continue to affect several regions of the country.
The cleric also expressed concern about the continued cycle of violence in areas affected by insurgency and banditry.
He noted that insecurity often leads to retaliatory attacks that impact civilians who are not directly involved in the conflict.
He explained that when armed groups are confronted through force alone, there is a risk that communities may bear the consequences of such confrontations.
His remarks highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable populations who are often caught in the middle of security operations and insurgent activities.
He emphasized that long-term peace requires strategies that go beyond military engagement.
Sheikh Gumi further pointed to international examples to support his argument, referencing situations where governments have engaged in negotiations even with groups they previously considered adversaries.
He mentioned that some countries have adopted dialogue-based approaches in addressing conflicts, depending on the circumstances and national interests involved.
In his view, such examples demonstrate that negotiation can sometimes be used as a practical tool in conflict resolution.
He suggested that Nigeria could examine different global experiences to identify methods that may be suitable for its own security situation, especially in addressing long-standing threats posed by armed groups.
He said, “When terrorists are targeted, they often retaliate by attacking the most vulnerable populations—the very people the government is meant to protect.” Read_More…