‘I led 600 bandits to surrender’: Gumi reacts as Nigerians call for his arrest

Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi, has slammed some Nigerians for calling for his arrest over his continuous commentary on banditry and national security.

Gumi has positioned himself as the bridge between the government and bandits for years, a move that has received support and backlash from Ngerians.

Some of those calling for his arrest accused him of protecting bandits and terrorists by asking the government to enter into dialogue with them instead of using force.

Reacting to the call for his arrest, Gumi took to his Facebook page on Sunday to defend his dealings with the armed gangs, describing his critics as “spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people” who prefer outrage to truth.

The cleric also condemned the growing calls for his arrest, insisting that he has committed no crime by engaging with bandits in an attempt to secure peace.

According to him, those calling for his arrest are doing so because of bigotry, ignorance and intolerance for differing viewpoints.

“ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter,” he wrote, arguing that his critics have chosen to politicise his peace efforts rather than reflect on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Gumi recalled a major intervention he led in January 2021 in Sabon Garin Yadi forest, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He said that he was once escorted by the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, who represented the Inspector-General of Police on the mission.

The cleric noted that the meeting, attended by more than 600 armed bandits and their commanders, was part of a broader peace initiative aimed at persuading criminal elements to surrender their weapons, embrace dialogue and stop attacks on local 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.

Gumi pointed out that the negotiation was transparent, legitimate and organised with the backing of the government.

In addition, he stated that the conditions given by the bandits, including the provision of basic amenities, protection from arbitrary arrests and assurances of safety, were never honoured by the government, leading to the collapse of the peace window.

He also expressed worry about why the government failed to act on the conditions given by the bandits and why some Nigerians are targeting him despite his peace efforts.

“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 noted that the meeting, attended by more than 600 armed bandits and their commanders, was part of a broader peace.

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.

The cleric further said that he is using his free speech, which is guaranteed in the constitution of Nigeria, while noting that opinions must not be criminalised.

“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.

Gumi called on Nigerians to abandon sentiment and emotional reactions to issues, but instead adopt practical solutions to the banditry crisis, warning that hate-driven narratives could worsen that country’s security.

The cleric added that silencing voices that advocate dialogue does nothing to address the deep-rooted socioeconomic and security failures fueling insurgency and rural banditry.

Gumi concluded with a prayer for national unity, describing bigotry and intolerance as major threats to peace.

“May Allah protect our nation from bigotry, stubborn and complete intolerance of contrary views and opinions,” he wrote.

Bandits in northern Nigeria have frequently ambushed highways and convoys, including those of civilians and political figures, carrying out kidnappings and extortion.

These attacks mostly occur in states such as Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina, disrupting travel, hindering development, and creating widespread fear.