Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has urged the Federal Government to extend amnesty to armed bandits in the same way repentant Boko Haram members have been rehabilitated after surrendering to security agencies.
Speaking during a press conference at his residence in Kaduna on Monday, May 25, Gumi said Nigeria must reconsider its security approach, arguing that years of military action alone had failed to end banditry and insurgency.
He questioned the effectiveness of the government’s continued reliance on force, noting that the country had spent years battling insecurity without lasting success.
“If the kinetic approach is not working for 17 years, why don’t you change the approach? Let’s change the method,” Gumi said.
He pointed to previous efforts in Katsina State, where authorities reportedly engaged bandits and attempted non-military measures.
”Because what Katsina did is to bring the bandits, give them money, and let them go with the rebels. Why don’t we change the method? Let’s engage them.
“Let’s dislodge them from the forest. Let’s take their children and put them in school. Let’s do something different. But you see, when you want money to be spent, when you want a budget to be spent, that is when it will come.”
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According to Gumi, some bandits had expressed willingness to surrender but feared arrest or retaliation if they gave up their weapons.
“These people (bandits) told us they are ready to lay down their arms, but what are their conditions? Has anybody listened to them?” Gumi asked.
“They said they fear when they lay down arms, they will then be pursued and arrested.
“So give them the amnesty so that they don’t need to fear putting down their arms and see. Let’s change the approach. Let’s change the methodology.”
The cleric also denied allegations that he supports violent groups or terrorism.
“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo, suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry or terrorism in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me,” he said.
Gumi added that he remains hopeful Nigeria can overcome its security challenges through collective efforts and long-term solutions.
“I sincerely hope that our great nation will heal, and that all victims affected by this violence will find comfort in the collective determination of the nation and the international community to achieve a lasting solution to the insecurity fueled over time by ignorance, poverty, and widespread social injustice,” he added.