Gumi urges FG to grant amnesty to bandits, likens move to Boko Haram rehabilitation

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has called on the federal government to consider granting amnesty to armed bandits, arguing that a similar approach used for repentant Boko Haram members could help address insecurity.

Speaking at a press conference held at his residence in Kaduna on Monday, Gumi said Nigeria should reconsider its heavy reliance on military operations, insisting that years of forceful intervention have failed to eliminate banditry and insurgency.

According to him, if military tactics have not succeeded after nearly two decades, authorities should adopt alternative strategies focused on engagement and rehabilitation.

He criticised previous methods adopted in some states, particularly approaches that involved financial incentives without long-term reintegration measures, stressing the need for a different framework that would remove bandits from forests and prioritise education for their children.

Gumi argued that rehabilitation and reintegration efforts have not received adequate attention despite the number of insurgents who have surrendered over the years.

He further claimed that some bandits had expressed willingness to surrender but feared arrest or retaliation after laying down their weapons.

The cleric said offering amnesty could provide reassurance and encourage them to abandon violence.

“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,” Gumi said.

Gumi also dismissed allegations linking him to support for terrorism or violent groups, stating that any statements or videos attributed to him suggesting sympathy for banditry or terrorism did not originate from him.

He maintained that he remains committed to peace and expressed optimism that Nigeria would eventually overcome its security challenges, while calling for solutions that address poverty, ignorance and social injustice as underlying causes of violence.