Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has urged the Federal Government to consider granting amnesty to armed bandits, insisting that Nigeria’s long-running military approach to insecurity has failed to produce lasting results.
Speaking during a press conference at his Kaduna residence on Monday, the cleric argued that bandits should be treated similarly to repentant Boko Haram members who surrendered to the authorities and were later rehabilitated.
Gumi maintained that after years of bloodshed and insecurity, the government must abandon what he described as an ineffective “kinetic approach” and adopt dialogue, rehabilitation, and reintegration strategies instead.
“If the kinetic approach is not working for 17 years, why don’t you change the approach? Let’s change the method,” Gumi said.
The cleric criticised previous methods adopted by some states, saying authorities should focus more on engagement and rehabilitation rather than temporary settlements.
”Because what Katsina did is to bring the bandits, give them money, and let them go with the rebels. Why don’t we change the method? Let’s engage them.
“Let’s dislodge them from the forest. Let’s take their children and put them in school. Let’s do something different. But you see, when you want money to be spent, when you want a budget to be spent, that is when it will come.”
According to Gumi, several bandits are allegedly willing to surrender, but fear arrest, retaliation, or possible execution after laying down their weapons.
“These people (bandits) told us they are ready to lay down their arms, but what are their conditions? Has anybody listened to them?” Gumi asked.
“They said they fear when they lay down arms, they will then be pursued and arrested.
“So give them the amnesty so that they don’t need to fear putting down their arms and see. Let’s change the approach. Let’s change the methodology.”
The outspoken cleric also dismissed allegations linking him to terrorism or support for violent groups, insisting that statements portraying him as a sympathiser of banditry are false.
“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo, suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry or terrorism in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me,” he said.
Gumi further expressed hope that Nigeria would eventually overcome its security crisis and called for collective efforts to address the root causes of violence, including poverty, ignorance, and social injustice.
“I sincerely hope that our great nation will heal, and that all victims affected by this violence will find comfort in the collective determination of the nation and the international community to achieve a lasting solution to the insecurity fueled over time by ignorance, poverty, and widespread social injustice,” he added.
