Son of Popular Bandit Negotiator Sheik Gumi Graduates from Nigerian Defence Academy

Abdurrahman Ahmad Gumi, the son of controversial cleric and bandit negotiator Sheik Ahmad Gumi, has graduated from the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) today, marking a significant milestone amid his father’s high-profile peace efforts in Nigeria’s troubled northwest.

The graduation ceremony, held at the NDA’s permanent site in Kaduna, saw Abdurrahman join the ranks of newly commissioned officers, a development that has sparked widespread discussion across the nation. Images circulating on social media, including a post by @alqary_emranon X,captured the proud moment, with Sheik Gumi standing alongside his son in military attire, symbolizing a blend of tradition and service.

Abdurrahman Ahmad Gumi, NDA 72nd Regular Course. This is Dr Gumi encouraging his child to join the military, a sign that he believes in Nigeria and still has hope in her, and to tell you that the change you seek can only come from you, exactly like his father PBUH did. pic.twitter.com/AgJPgGUxTl

— 🕸Imran🕸 (@alqary_emran) September 21, 2025

Sheik Ahmad Gumi, a former military officer who rose to the rank of Captain before resigning to pursue Islamic studies in Saudi Arabia, has been a polarizing figure since launching peace-making missions in Zamfara State in February 2025. His efforts to negotiate with bandits in states like Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger have aimed to curb the escalating violence, though they have drawn scrutiny from the federal government. Despite the 2022 ban on ransom payments—a move to deter banditry—Gumi has continued his mediation, risking legal repercussions, according to BBC News Pidgin reports.

The elder Gumi, son of the late Grand Khadi of the old Northern Region, Shaykh Abubakar Gumi, has long advocated for dialogue with armed groups. The bandit conflict, rooted in herder-farmer clashes and exacerbated by poverty and illegal arms circulation—estimated at 60,000 weapons in the northwest—has seen over 30,000 individuals join more than 100 gangs, per recent analyses (Wikipedia – Nigerian Bandit Conflict).

Abdurrahman’s decision to join the NDA, established in 1964 to train officers for Nigeria’s Armed Forces, is seen by some as a sign of hope and commitment to national unity. A nostalgic photo from the graduation thread shows a young Abdurrahman in his father’s arms, hinting at a legacy of service that now extends into the military. The NDA recently honored a late Brigadier General at a special meeting on September 12, 2025, underscoring its ongoing role in shaping the nation’s defence (NDA.edu.ng).