Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has defended his widely-criticised role in negotiating with bandits, claiming he personally facilitated the surrender of over 600 armed bandits in Kaduna State.
Speaking in response to renewed calls for his arrest, Gumi said those attacking him “lack courage and understanding,” insisting that his engagements with bandits were done openly and with the knowledge of security agencies.
According to him, the surrender took place in January 2021 at Sabon Garin Yadi forest in Giwa Local Government Area, where he met with the bandits alongside top security officials, including the then Commissioner of Police representing the Inspector-General of Police. He said the group agreed to drop their weapons after discussions centered on peace, protection from arbitrary arrest, and access to basic amenities.
Gumi accused the government of failing to honour the assurances given to the bandits during the peace process, which he believes contributed to the breakdown of earlier peace efforts. He also stressed that his missions were frequently conducted alongside police, traditional rulers, and government representatives, dismissing claims that he was operating outside official channels.
The cleric maintained that dialogue remains an essential tool for addressing insecurity, warning that silencing negotiators would further escalate tensions. His remarks have reignited national debate on whether negotiation or military force offers the better path to ending banditry.
