By Abu Adamu
Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has renewed calls for amnesty for armed bandits — groups officially designated as terrorists in Nigeria — claiming many of them are prepared to surrender but fear arrest, prosecution, and possible retaliation after laying down their arms.
Speaking during a press conference at his Kaduna residence on Monday, Gumi argued that the federal government should extend to the armed groups the same rehabilitation framework previously offered to repentant Boko Haram fighters.
The cleric said years of military operations had failed to end insecurity across parts of northern Nigeria, insisting that dialogue and reintegration offered a better alternative.
“If the kinetic approach is not working for 17 years, why don’t you change the approach? Let’s change the method,” he said.
Gumi disclosed that some of the armed groups had privately communicated their willingness to abandon violence if granted guarantees against arrest and prosecution.
“These people told us they are ready to lay down their arms, but what are their conditions? Has anybody listened to them?” he 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.”
The comments are expected to reignite debate over negotiations with violent groups after Nigerian courts formally classified bandit groups as terrorist organisations, placing them under the country’s anti-terrorism laws.
Gumi maintained that authorities should prioritise rehabilitation, education, and social reintegration rather than relying solely on military force.
“Let’s dislodge them from the forest. Let’s take their children and put them in school. Let’s do something different,” he said.
The cleric also denied allegations that he supports terrorism or banditry, insisting that he has consistently advocated peaceful resolution of the security crisis.
“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me suggesting support for banditry or terrorism does not emanate from me,” he said.
He added that Nigeria’s long-running insecurity was being fuelled by poverty, ignorance, and social injustice, expressing hope that the country would eventually achieve lasting peace.