Popular Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has vehemently denied allegations of supporting bandits, asserting that his involvement is solely centred on peace efforts amid escalating calls for his arrest.
The Nation reports that these calls come in the wake of a fresh wave of kidnappings sweeping across northern Nigeria, prompting school closures and renewed security crackdowns by the Federal Government.
In an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, which was monitored, Gumi expressed his rejection of recent arrest calls that have intensified following the life imprisonment sentencing of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and the government’s silencing of Yoruba Nation Agitator, Sunday Igboho.
He clarified that his engagement with armed groups does not equate to an endorsement of their actions, emphasising that his role is strictly humanitarian and focused on conflict resolution. Gumi stated, “I am absolutely a peacemaker. I don’t want bloodshed. Nigerians forget that our military men are dying too. We recently lost a Brigadier General because of a stalemate with Boko Haram.”
Gumi asserted that dialogue is the only sustainable approach to resolving the ongoing crisis, cautioning that military force alone will not suffice: “Peace is still sweeter than war. Many of these fighters believe they are ready to die. We must show them the value of peace, education, hospitals and a better life. Their brutality is a sign of weakness, not strength.”
Addressing allegations of global links to insecurity in Nigeria, the cleric noted that terrorist activities are often influenced by foreign interests. “Boko Haram, yes. There are professional, international interests involved—foreign bodies that supply them with weapons and intelligence. The bandits, on the other hand, have more rudimentary weapons,” he explained.
Responding to former President Donald Trump’s claim of genocide in Nigeria, Gumi dismissed the notion of a religious war in the country, labelling the narrative as misleading. “There is no Christian-Muslim war in Nigeria. Anyone pushing that narrative is not telling the truth,” he asserted, describing Trump’s remarks as uninformed. “Trump is not to be taken seriously. He accused Nigeria before any investigation. America is after oil, both ours and Venezuela’s. Nigerians should not be excited about foreign interference,” he added.
On his controversial visits to bandit camps, Gumi maintained that he acted with the knowledge and invitation of government authorities. “People do not know the full story. I was invited by the Zamfara State Government to help negotiate peace. We went with police, officials, and the press. We sat with them only to hear their grievances. Many who shout online do not know the context,” he said.
Defending the military’s tactical withdrawals during attacks, Gumi explained, “A platoon of nine soldiers cannot fight 300 bandits. The military sometimes must tactically withdraw to avoid unnecessary deaths. The bigger issue is the lack of air support and drones.”
Looking ahead, Gumi advocated for a structured amnesty programme similar to that of the Niger Delta, stating, “Amnesty helps you identify the fighters and give them reasons to drop arms. You cannot fight a ghost enemy forever. Many herders fear arrest if they surrender. We need real dialogue to address their grievances.”
He also proposed phased ranching supported by government infrastructure, adding, “We do not even have the resources to educate the young people already sitting peacefully with us. How then do we expect to ranch all the cattle in Nigeria? We must start with grazing routes and model ranches. If we create model ranches, herders will adopt them naturally.”
However, Gumi cautioned against foreign military involvement, arguing that Nigeria must resolve its security issues internally. “American military intervention will worsen things. Boko Haram is sponsored from outside, but herders are local and driven by survival. We should resolve the herder crisis internally,” he stated.
The scholar maintained that his interventions are not financially motivated, asserting, “If I wanted money, I would join politics. I was a military captain. I am a medical doctor. I am not jobless and I do not need money from this.”
As pressure mounts over the deteriorating security situation and renewed calls for his arrest, Gumi reiterated that his sole interest lies in stopping bloodshed and restoring peace in conflict-ravaged communities across northern Nigeria.
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