Gumi Fires Back at Critics, Says He Helped 600 Bandits Surrender in Government-Backed Peace Mission

Gumi Fires Back at Critics, Says He Helped 600 Bandits Surrender in Government-Backed Peace Mission

16th November 2025

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has defended his controversial engagement with armed bandit groups in northern Nigeria, insisting that his efforts have been misunderstood and deliberately politicised.

In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, Gumi rebuffed renewed calls for his arrest, describing those behind the campaign as “spineless, irresponsible, and unpatriotic imbecilic people” driven by ignorance and intolerance.

Gumi, who has long positioned himself as a mediator between terrorists and the Nigerian government, said he has facilitated the surrender of no fewer than 600 bandits during peace missions openly conducted with the approval of security authorities.

He cited a major intervention in January 2021 at Sabon Garin Yadi forest in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State, where he says he met with hundreds of armed groups alongside the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, representing the Inspector-General of Police.

According to him, the meeting—part of a government-sanctioned outreach—was aimed at persuading the bandits to drop their weapons and halt attacks on rural communities. Gumi said the groups agreed to surrender in exchange for safety guarantees and basic amenities, but the government allegedly failed to honour its commitments.

“The outcome was that over 600 bandits agreed to lay down their arms. They presented conditions to the government. None were fulfilled,” he stated.

Gumi questioned why he should be targeted for arrest, arguing that his actions were transparent, legal, and designed to reduce bloodshed. He accused critics of ignoring the government’s shortcomings while attacking those seeking alternative solutions.

“So, what is there to arrest for? For calling them to lay arms, or to educate the nation on their side of the story?” he asked.

The cleric also warned against suppressing free speech, saying that dissenting opinions should not be treated as crimes. He urged Nigerians to avoid emotional reactions and embrace pragmatic approaches, such as dialogue, in addressing insecurity.

He concluded by praying for unity and cautioning against “bigotry” and intolerance in national discourse.

“May Allah protect our nation from stubborn and complete intolerance of contrary views and opinions,” he wrote.