Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has questioned why Nigerian authorities have not pursued dialogue with Boko Haram terrorists and armed bandits in the same way previous administrations engaged Niger Delta militants, arguing that negotiations could help end the country’s security crisis.
Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has renewed his call for dialogue with armed groups, saying the Federal Government should consider engaging Boko Haram terrorists and bandits just as past governments negotiated with Niger Delta militants during the region’s insurgency.
Speaking in a viral video, Gumi argued that dialogue remains a legitimate conflict-resolution strategy and questioned why the option appears to have been ruled out in the fight against insurgency and banditry.
Draws Comparison With Niger Delta Amnesty
The cleric said previous administrations successfully engaged militant groups in the Niger Delta through negotiations, leading to the Presidential Amnesty Programme that significantly reduced attacks on oil facilities.
According to him, a similar approach should be explored with armed groups that are willing to lay down their weapons and embrace peace.
Criticises Terrorist Designation
Gumi also argued that classifying bandits as terrorists has made dialogue increasingly difficult.
He maintained that some armed groups had previously shown a willingness to negotiate and claimed the terrorist designation had effectively closed the remaining channels through which religious leaders could engage them.
“The only door remaining for us clergy to negotiate with them has been closed permanently,” Gumi said.
Position Sparks Fresh Debate
Gumi has repeatedly advocated a non-military approach to tackling insecurity, a stance that has generated widespread criticism from many Nigerians who believe terrorists and bandits should be confronted primarily through military operations.
Successive governments have maintained that while dialogue may occur in limited circumstances, security forces will continue sustained military operations against terrorist groups threatening national security.