Gumi Questions Absence of Dialogue With Boko Haram, Bandits

Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has questioned why no government official has engaged Boko Haram insurgents and armed bandits in dialogue, similar to the way past administrations reached out to Niger Delta militants to end unrest in the oil-rich region. Gumi made the remarks in a post on his official Facebook page, reigniting debate over the role of negotiation in addressing insecurity in northern Nigeria.

The cleric recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visited militant camps in the Niger Delta during separate peace efforts, which eventually contributed to the implementation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. According to Gumi, those engagements helped reduce militancy and attacks on oil infrastructure.

Gumi asked who would be willing to hold similar talks with Boko Haram members and bandits without facing public criticism. He has consistently advocated dialogue as part of efforts to end the violence in the North-West and North-East, arguing that negotiation and rehabilitation should complement military operations. His position has, however, remained controversial, with critics accusing him of legitimising armed groups, an allegation he has repeatedly denied.

The cleric's latest comments come as Nigeria continues to battle insurgency, banditry and kidnappings across several northern states. While successive governments have largely relied on military operations to combat the armed groups, Gumi maintains that sustainable peace will require meaningful engagement alongside security measures.