Sheikh Ahmad Gumi Defends Talks With Bandits, Labels Critics “Spineless and Unpatriotic”

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has defended his interactions with bandits, responding to calls for his arrest over his comments on national security and banditry.

In a statement shared on Facebook on Sunday, Gumi described his critics as “spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people,” accusing them of politicising his peace efforts rather than focusing on the country’s growing insecurity. He insisted that his engagement with criminal groups is part of a legitimate effort to promote peace.

Gumi said the strongest demands for his arrest are driven by “bigotry, ignorance and intolerance for opposing views,” adding that he has committed no offence in his work to negotiate with bandits. “ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter,” he wrote.

He highlighted a major peace mission he led in January 2021 at Sabon Garin Yadi forest in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Gumi was accompanied by the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, representing the Inspector-General of Police.

During the mission, over 600 armed bandits and their commanders attended meetings aimed at persuading them to surrender their weapons, embrace dialogue, and halt attacks on communities. “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.

The cleric stressed that all negotiations were conducted transparently, with the full knowledge and approval of the authorities, and remained committed to pursuing peaceful solutions to the country’s security challenges.