‘I led 600 bandits to surrender’, Gumi defends negotiation role

Sheikh Gumi Defends Bandit Negotiations, Claims to Have Facilitated Surrender of 600 Fighters

In a bold and defiant statement, prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has publicly defended his controversial role in negotiating with armed bandit groups in northern Nigeria.

Amid mounting criticism and calls for his arrest, Gumi asserted that his efforts have yielded tangible results, including the surrender of over 600 bandits. He made this claim in a Facebook post on Sunday, November 16, 2025, where he lashed out at his detractors, labeling them as “spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people”.

Gumi has long positioned himself as a mediator between the Nigerian government and the various armed groups that have plagued the northern region with violence, kidnappings, and extortion. His approach, which emphasizes dialogue and amnesty over military confrontation, has sparked fierce debate across the country. While some view his efforts as a pragmatic path to peace, others accuse him of legitimizing criminality and undermining national security.

In his defense, Gumi emphasized that his actions are rooted in a desire to restore peace and stability to the region. He argued that many of the bandits are not inherently evil but are driven to violence by systemic neglect, poverty, and lack of access to basic amenities.

According to Gumi, during his numerous visits to bandit camps in states like Zamfara and Kaduna, he discovered that many of the fighters were open to peace if their communities were provided with schools, hospitals, and other essential services.

Gumi also revealed that his negotiations were not conducted in isolation. He claimed that officials from the federal government often accompanied him during these missions, underscoring that his actions were not rogue or unsanctioned. “One cannot go alone,” he stated, suggesting that his peace missions had at least tacit approval from certain quarters within the government.

Despite the backlash, Gumi remains steadfast in his belief that military solutions alone cannot resolve the crisis. He has repeatedly warned that continued military offensives could exacerbate the conflict, pushing more young men into the arms of insurgent groups. Instead, he advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes dialogue, rehabilitation, and socio-economic development.

His critics, however, remain unconvinced. Many argue that negotiating with bandits sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the rule of law. They contend that such engagements embolden criminal elements and erode public trust in the government’s ability to maintain order and justice. Some have even called for his arrest, accusing him of sympathizing with terrorists and obstructing justice.

Nonetheless, Gumi’s latest declaration about leading 600 bandits to surrender is intended to bolster his credibility and demonstrate the efficacy of his methods.

Whether this claim will shift public opinion or further polarize the debate remains to be seen. What is clear is that the issue of how best to address banditry in Nigeria continues to be a contentious and deeply divisive national conversation.