ABUJA — Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has delivered a stark rebuke to the Nigerian government, declaring that the window for negotiating with bandits has firmly closed.
Speaking in a recent interview, Gumi — long known for his advocacy of amnesty and dialogue with armed groups in the North-West — said worsening violence and broken trust have made further talks impossible.
“We can no longer negotiate with bandits,” Gumi stated, faulting the government’s failure to honour previous agreements and address root causes such as poverty and marginalisation.
The cleric’s U-turn marks a significant shift from his earlier stance, which drew both praise and fierce criticism. He warned that without genuine government commitment, military force alone would not end the cycle of bloodshed.
Security analysts say Gumi’s remarks reflect the deepening frustration among stakeholders over the government’s inconsistent counter-insurgency strategy. The North-West remains one of Nigeria’s most volatile regions, with thousands killed and millions displaced.
Gumi urged the Tinubu administration to adopt a comprehensive approach combining security reform, economic intervention, and justice to stem the tide.
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