Renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has reaffirmed his controversial role in engaging with bandits across Northern Nigeria, insisting that his visits are never conducted in secrecy or isolation.
Speaking at the 2025 Southwest Muslims Ulama Summit held at the University of Ibadan, Gumi emphasized that his outreach efforts are always carried out with the knowledge and presence of security operatives and government representatives.
According to Gumi, his repeated interactions with armed groups are part of a deliberate intervention strategy aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity. He explained that his mission is not to condone criminality but to create channels for dialogue, education, reintegration, and rehabilitation. “When I go, I go with the police. I’m never alone,” he declared, stressing that his actions are transparent and aligned with broader efforts to restore peace in troubled regions.
The cleric criticized what he described as years of misrepresentation by the media and public opinion, noting that his role has often been misconstrued as shielding criminal elements.
He argued that dialogue remains a vital tool in resolving the crisis, pointing to past instances where hundreds of bandits accepted peace deals through negotiation. Gumi maintained that his involvement is not a crime, but rather a patriotic attempt to bridge the gap between authorities and marginalized groups.
His remarks come amid mounting calls from some quarters for his arrest, with critics accusing him of legitimizing banditry. Gumi dismissed such criticisms as misguided, labeling detractors as individuals who prioritize outrage over honest assessment of Nigeria’s security challenges.
He reiterated that his approach is rooted in compassion and a desire to prevent further bloodshed, while also ensuring that government agencies remain fully engaged in the process.
The cleric’s statement underscores the ongoing debate about the most effective strategies to combat insecurity in Nigeria. While military operations continue across affected states, Gumi’s insistence on dialogue highlights the tension between hardline approaches and softer, community-driven interventions.
His declaration that police and officials accompany him on all visits is intended to reassure the public that his efforts are not clandestine, but part of a broader framework of engagement.
As Nigeria grapples with persistent challenges of banditry and insurgency, Sheikh Gumi’s position remains both influential and divisive. His latest comments are likely to reignite discussions on the balance between security enforcement and dialogue-driven peacebuilding, a debate that continues to shape the nation’s response to one of its most pressing crises.