Gumi demands amnesty for bandits

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has renewed his call for the Federal Government to grant amnesty to armed bandits, insisting that Nigeria’s long-running military campaign against insecurity has not delivered meaningful results.

Speaking at a press conference held at his residence in Kaduna on Monday, Gumi argued that authorities should adopt a rehabilitation and reintegration framework similar to the programme used for repentant Boko Haram fighters who surrendered to the military.

He said the persistence of banditry and insurgency after years of military operations shows the need for a fundamental shift in strategy.

“If the kinetic approach is not working for 17 years, why don’t you change the approach? Let’s change the method,” he said.

Gumi faulted what he described as an overreliance on force and financial incentives, without sufficient attention to addressing the underlying drivers of insecurity.

“Why don’t we engage them? Let’s dislodge them from the forest. Let’s take their children and put them in school. Let’s do something different,” he said.

The cleric further argued that some armed groups have indicated readiness to surrender, but are reluctant due to fear of arrest or retaliation.

“These people told us they are ready to lay down their arms, but what are their conditions? Has anybody listened to them?” he asked.

“They said they fear when they lay down arms, they will then be pursued and arrested. So give them amnesty so they don’t fear putting down their arms.”

Gumi also rejected suggestions that he supports terrorism or violent groups, saying his public comments have consistently been in favour of peace and dialogue.

“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me suggesting support for banditry or terrorism does not emanate from me,” he said.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would eventually overcome its security challenges through coordinated efforts targeting poverty, ignorance, and social injustice, which he identified as key drivers of violence.