Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on Nigeria's government to consider amnesty programs for armed bandits. Speaking at his Kaduna residence on Monday, the influential Islamic scholar argued for a policy shift.
Gumi believes the nation should replicate its rehabilitation approach for reformed Boko Haram fighters. He contends that purely military tactics have failed to curb banditry and insurgency over nearly two decades.
"If the kinetic method hasn't been effective for 17 years, why not try a different method?" Gumi asked journalists. "Let's change the method."
He referenced Katsina's strategy of engaging bandits directly through dialogue and incentives. According to him, such negotiations encouraged rebels to abandon their activities.
Gumi proposed enrolling bandits' children in schools and providing economic support. He suggested disarming fighters through community engagement rather than force alone.
"When you want money to be used, when you want a budget to be spent, that's when it will happen," he noted. The cleric implied that political will remains lacking.
Government officials have neglected rehabilitation frameworks despite numerous insurgents surrendering voluntarily. Gumi told reporters this oversight represents a critical policy failure.
Many bandits have reportedly expressed willingness to surrender their weapons. Their primary concern centers on arrest and prosecution following disarmament.
"They are willing to stop fighting, but what do they want in return?" Gumi remarked. "Has anybody listened to them?"
Bandits fear legal consequences and vigilante revenge if they lay down arms. Gumi believes amnesty guarantees would eliminate such apprehension entirely.
"Provide them with amnesty so they won't be afraid," he urged government officials. "Let's alter the approach and see what happens."
Gumi seized the moment to distance himself from terrorism accusations. He denied supporting violent extremists or their ideologies.
