Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi insists that engaging t+rrorists in dialogue is an internationally recognised approach and not prohibited by religious texts.
In an interview published by the BBC on Tuesday, Mr Gumi, who has repeatedly positioned himself as a mediator for bandits, rejected arguments against government negotiations.
“When they say we should not negotiate with t+rror, that word, I don’t know where they get it from. It is not in the Bible. It is not in the Quran. It is not even in practice,” Mr Gumi said.
He argued that he would continue advocating for dialogue if it would prevent further v+olence, pointing out that even powerful nations have resorted to such measures. Citing the U.S.–Taliban talks, he said, “We negotiate for peace and our strategic interests. If negotiation will bring a stoppage of bl++shed, we’ll do it.”
Mr Gumi added, “In fact, everybody is negotiating with bandits. America had an office where they were negotiating with the Taliban in Qatar. Everybody is negotiating with outlaws, non-state actors. So where do they get that knowledge from?”
The cleric has repeatedly opposed military operations aimed at eliminating bandits, describing them as capable of reason and urging the government to engage them in dialogue. He has previously argued that seeking peace with bandits aligns with Islamic teachings and even pushed for amnesty similar to the Niger Delta model.
Despite these calls, banditry persists across states including Zamfara, Sokoto, Yobe, Katsina, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Kaduna, where mass k+llings and abd¥ctions continue. Multiple peace deals initiated by state governments have so far failed to produce meaningful results.
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