Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has expressed concern over the impact of Nigeria’s designation of bandit groups as terrorists, arguing that the move has reduced opportunities for dialogue and non-military engagement.
Speaking in a video that circulated widely online, Gumi suggested that religious leaders who previously attempted to engage armed groups now have limited room to continue such efforts.
The cleric, who has in the past visited bandit camps and publicly advocated dialogue as part of broader conflict-resolution efforts, said negotiation channels have become increasingly restricted.
According to Gumi, some armed groups had previously indicated willingness to engage in discussions, and he questioned whether designating them as terrorists could complicate future reconciliation efforts.
“We don’t want to push them into terror beyond what they are doing now because it can get worse,” he said in the video.
He also argued that declaring such groups terrorists may reduce options available for community-based intervention and peaceful engagement.
Referring to earlier security developments in parts of northern Nigeria, Gumi claimed that individuals linked to extremist violence had previously been handed over to authorities before security dynamics changed. Those claims were made in the course of his remarks and were not independently verified in the source material.
The cleric further stated that one of the remaining channels available to religious figures had effectively been closed.
“Secondly, the only door that is remaining is for us clergy to go in and negotiate with them, that is closed permanently,” he said.
His comments add to a long-running debate in Nigeria over whether negotiation, military operations or a combination of approaches offers the most effective response to armed violence and insecurity.
No response from the federal government or security agencies was included in the source material at the time of reporting.
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