Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has suggested that religious leaders may no longer be able to engage in negotiations with armed groups following the government’s decision to designate bandit groups as terrorists.
Gumi, who in the past has visited bandit camps to advocate for dialogue, expressed concern over the classification, arguing that it could worsen the security situation rather than resolve it.
In a video that has since gone viral, he said there was still a need to avoid further escalation of violence, insisting that some of the groups had previously shown willingness to negotiate.
He questioned the government’s approach, suggesting that earlier efforts at dialogue had involved capturing suspects and handing them over to authorities, but that such processes had now been disrupted by the terrorism designation.
According to him, the new classification has effectively closed off what he described as one of the remaining channels for peaceful engagement between clerics and armed groups.
BACKSTORY…
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s remarks come against the backdrop of Nigeria’s long-running security crisis involving armed bandit groups, particularly in parts of the North-West, where kidnappings, attacks on rural communities, and clashes with security forces have persisted for years.
In response to the growing insecurity, Gumi has previously advocated for dialogue with armed groups, even visiting some bandit hideouts in an attempt to encourage peace talks and non-violent resolution. His position has often sparked national debate, with critics arguing that negotiation could embolden criminal activity, while supporters believe it could help reduce violence in affected regions.
The Nigerian government, over time, has taken a tougher stance, including officially designating several armed groups as terrorist organisations, a move aimed at strengthening military action and limiting the space for negotiation.
It was within this context that Gumi, speaking in a viral video, expressed concern that such classifications have now effectively shut down opportunities for clerics and mediators to engage with the groups.
He argued that some of the bandits had previously shown willingness to negotiate and warned that removing dialogue channels could worsen the situation rather than resolve it, reigniting the debate over whether military action or negotiation remains the more effective approach to addressing insecurity in the country.
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