Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has defended his longstanding alliance and engagement with terrorists and armed bandit groups in the north, dismissing renewed calls for his arrest as misguided, intolerant, and politically motivated.
Gumi, who has for years positioned himself as a mediator and negotiator between terrorists and the Nigerian government, made the defence in a statement issued on Sunday, where he said he has led no fewer than 600 bandits to surrender.
His role as an intermediary has attracted mixed reactions, with some Nigerians accusing him of shielding terrorists by advocating dialogue over military force.
Responding to critics, the cleric used strong language, describing those demanding his arrest as “spineless, irresponsible, and unpatriotic imbecilic people.”
He argued that his detractors prefer “outrage to truth” and have consistently chosen to politicise his peace efforts instead of examining the deepening insecurity affecting the country.
“ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible, and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter,” he wrote, accusing them of bigotry, ignorance, and intolerance for opposing viewpoints.
Gumi recalled one of his major interventions in January 2021 at Sabon Garin Yadi forest in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where he said he was escorted by the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, who represented the Inspector-General of Police during the mission.
According to him, the meeting involved “over 600 bandits and their commanders” and was part of a government-backed initiative to persuade criminal elements to drop their weapons, embrace dialogue, and end attacks on rural communities.
“I was at Sabon Garin Yadi forest, accompanied by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police.
“This meeting was part of a peace initiative where we preached to over 600 bandits and their commanders, who agreed to lay down their arms in exchange for security and basic amenities,” he said.
He maintained that the dialogue was legitimate, transparent, and conducted with the full knowledge and approval of relevant authorities.
However, he noted that the conditions presented by the bandits, involving assurances of safety, provision of basic amenities, and protection from arbitrary arrests, were never honoured by the government, leading to the failure of the peace initiative.
Gumi criticised those attacking him rather than interrogating the government’s alleged failure to fulfil its commitments.
“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. They presented conditions to the government. None fulfilled,” he said.
The cleric questioned the basis for demands that he be detained, arguing that his mediation efforts were aimed at reducing violence and driven by national interest.
“So, what is there to arrest for? For calling them to lay arms or amenities for them, or to educate the nation on their side of the story?” he asked.
Gumi further accused his critics of hypocrisy, insisting that the constitution guarantees free speech and that divergent opinions must not be treated as crimes.
“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 queried.
He urged Nigerians to avoid emotional reactions to the insecurity crisis and instead embrace practical approaches, including dialogue.
According to him, silencing those who advocate engagement with bandits does nothing to address the underlying socioeconomic conditions driving criminality in rural communities.
The cleric offered prayers for national unity and warned against intolerance and hate-driven narratives.
“May Allah protect our nation from bigotry, stubborn and complete intolerance of contrary views and opinions,” he wrote.
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