ABUJA – Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has defended his controversial peace initiatives with bandits, revealing that he personally led over 600 armed bandits to surrender in a 2021 intervention.
The cleric made this disclosure in a strong statement on Sunday, pushing back against critics who have called for his arrest over his mediation efforts in Nigeria’s security crisis.
Gumi described those demanding his arrest as “spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people” who prefer outrage over practical solutions to the nation’s security challenges.
He recounted a specific peace mission to Sabon Garin Yadi forest in Kaduna State in January 2021, where he was accompanied by the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police. According to Gumi, this meeting resulted in over 600 bandits and their commanders agreeing to lay down their arms in exchange for security and basic amenities.
“The purpose of the meeting was an effort to de-escalate violence by having bandits surrender their weapons and embrace peace. The outcome was that over 600 bandits agreed to lay down their arms,” Gumi stated.
However, the cleric criticized the government for failing to honor the conditions presented by the bandits, which he said led to the collapse of the peace window and continued violence in the region.
Gumi defended his right to free speech and mediation, questioning why his peace efforts should provoke calls for arrest. “Is free speech no longer part of our constitutional right? Is their call for arrest not also prejudiced and an incitement to more violence?” he asked.
He concluded with a prayer for national protection from “bigotry, stubborn and complete intolerance of contrary views and opinions.”
