Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has responded to mounting criticism and calls for his arrest over his continued involvement in negotiating with bandits in Northern Nigeria.
Gumi, who has long been an advocate for dialogue as a path to ending insecurity, insisted that his efforts have previously contributed to peace in the region.
He recalled a major intervention where he successfully facilitated the surrender of over 600 bandits, stressing that the achievement was only possible because authorities permitted him to engage directly with the armed groups.
According to him, those condemning his approach do not fully understand the complexities of the crisis. He argued that negotiation, not force alone, is crucial to restoring stability in affected communities.
The cleric maintained that he has always acted in the interest of national security and urged the government to adopt a more strategic and humane approach toward ending banditry.
Gumi’s comments come amid intensified public debate over how best to tackle the persistent security challenges in the North