A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has called on the Federal Government to consider granting amnesty to armed bandits, urging authorities to adopt a non-violent rehabilitation model similar to the programme for repentant Boko Haram insurgents.
Gumi made the appeal on Monday during a press briefing at his residence in Kaduna State, where he argued that Nigeria’s long-standing reliance on military force has failed to end insecurity, particularly banditry and insurgency across parts of the North-West and North-Central regions.
He said the persistence of violent attacks despite years of military operations shows the need for a strategic shift focused on engagement, reintegration, and social intervention rather than force alone.
“If the kinetic approach is not working for 17 years, why don’t you change the approach? Let’s change the method,” he said.
The cleric referenced past interventions in Katsina State, claiming that some armed groups were engaged, offered incentives, and allowed to return to their communities, arguing that similar strategies should be expanded nationwide.
“Let’s dislodge them from the forest. Let’s take their children and put them in school. Let’s do something different,” he said, adding that greater attention should be paid to rehabilitation programmes rather than increased security spending alone.
Gumi also claimed that some armed men had indicated willingness to surrender their weapons but were afraid of being arrested or targeted after disarmament.
“These people told us they are ready to lay down their arms, but what are their conditions? They fear that when they lay down arms, they will be pursued and arrested,” he said.
He therefore urged the government to provide amnesty guarantees to encourage voluntary disarmament, insisting that trust-building remains critical to resolving the crisis.
“So give them amnesty so that they don’t need to fear putting down their arms. Let’s change the approach,” he added.
The cleric also used the briefing to reject allegations that he supports or defends violent groups, describing such claims as misrepresentation of his position.
“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me suggesting support for banditry or terrorism does not emanate from me,” he said.
Gumi maintained that his advocacy is driven by a desire for peace and long-term stability, expressing optimism that Nigeria can overcome its security challenges through a combination of justice, social investment, and reconciliation.
“I sincerely hope that our great nation will heal, and that all victims affected by this violence will find comfort in a collective determination to achieve a lasting solution to insecurity fueled by poverty and social injustice,” he added.
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