According to Vanguard post, popular Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has defended his continued engagement with armed groups in northern Nigeria, insisting that his peace advocacy remains the most effective path to ending years of banditry and violence.
Reacting to renewed calls for his arrest following his latest comments on national security, Gumi said the criticisms were misplaced and driven by politics rather than genuine concern for peace. “Those calling for my arrest do not understand the complexities of this conflict,” he said. “If they knew what I know, they would appreciate the efforts that have gone into bringing hundreds of these young men back from the bush.”
Gumi revealed that through a combination of dialogue, persuasion and community engagement, he had successfully facilitated the surrender of hundreds of armed men across several northern states.
According to him, “I led 600 bandits to surrender, and they did so because they saw sincerity, not force.”
He added that many of the young fighters were victims of neglect, ignorance and systemic failure, and that treating the crisis solely as a military problem would only deepen the cycle of violence.
“It is easy to condemn them from afar,” he said, “but when you sit with them, listen to them and show them a way out, you will understand that dialogue works.”
The cleric argued that demonising him for interacting with bandits was counterproductive, stressing that even the government had at various times opened channels of negotiation with armed groups.
“I am not doing anything illegal,” he insisted.
“If government officials can negotiate with agitators in other regions, why is it a crime to talk to bandits? Peace is achieved through engagement, not emotion.”
Gumi disclosed that some of the surrendered fighters were now undergoing rehabilitation, and he urged authorities to prioritise meaningful reintegration programmes to prevent a relapse into criminality.
He warned that failure to address the root causes of banditry—poverty, illiteracy and injustice—would continue to fuel unrest.
“If we don’t tackle the conditions that created banditry, arresting me or silencing me will change nothing,” he said.
He maintained that his conscience was clear and vowed to continue advocating for peaceful solutions.
“I will not stop speaking for peace,” he declared.
“Nigeria cannot progress through hatred and blame; it must progress through understanding.” View, More,
Explore More News By Using The Button.