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

Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi, has lashed out at those calling for his arrest over his continued commentary on banditry and national security.

The Islamic cleric has for years positioned himself as an intermediary between the government and bandit groups, a role that has drawn both support and condemnation from the public.

Some of his critics have accused him of shielding bandits and terrorists by asking the government to negotiate with them instead of resorting to full force.

In a statement shared via Facebook on Sunday, the cleric defended his dealings with the gunmen, describing his opponents as “spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people” who prefer outrage to truth.

Gumi condemned the rising calls for his arrest, insisting that he has committed no crime by engaging with bandits in an attempt to secure peace.

He said the loudest voices demanding that he be picked up by security agencies are driven by bigotry, ignorance and intolerance for differing viewpoints.

“ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter,” he wrote, arguing that his critics have chosen to politicise his peace efforts rather than reflect on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Gumi recalled a major intervention he led in January 2021 in Sabon Garin Yadi forest, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to him, he was escorted by the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, who represented the Inspector-General of Police on the mission.

He said the meeting, attended by more than 600 armed bandits and their commanders, was part of a broader peace initiative aimed at persuading criminal elements to surrender their weapons, embrace dialogue and stop attacks on local communities.

“I was at Sabon Garin Yadi forest, accompanied by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police… This meeting was part of a peace initiative where we preached to over 600 bandits and their commanders, who agreed to lay down their arms in exchange for security and basic amenities,” he said.

The cleric insisted that the negotiation was transparent, legitimate and conducted with the approval and knowledge of the authorities.