Nigerian Military Can’t Defeat Bandits, Says Gumi, Urges Government to Negotiate

Nigerian Military Can’t Defeat Bandits, Says Gumi, Urges Government to Negotiate Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric and mediator in northern Nigeria, has asserted that the Nigerian military is incapable of defeating bandit groups by force and called on the government to pursue dialogue as a more effective solution. In a recent interview, Gumi argued that Nigeria’s armed forces, despite their resources, are struggling against guerrilla-style tactics employed by bandits across the northwest and other affected regions. “Military solutions alone cannot end this crisis,” he said, urging authorities to explore negotiation and amnesty programs to reintegrate bandits into society. Gumi emphasized that negotiating with bandits is not prohibited by religious teachings, noting that dialogue can be a pragmatic approach to reduce violence. He condemned the kidnapping of schoolchildren but controversially described such abductions as a “lesser evil” compared to the killing of security personnel. According to him, the preservation of lives should remain a priority. The cleric has long promoted negotiation as a path to ending insecurity in parts of Nigeria, highlighting socio-economic factors such as poverty and marginalization as underlying drivers of banditry. He cited instances where engagement with communities and militants had led to temporary reductions in violence. Gumi’s remarks come amid escalating insecurity in Nigeria, with recent mass kidnappings and attacks creating national alarm. While some officials have rejected negotiations with criminals, others see dialogue as a potential complement to military operations. His stance has generated widespread debate. Critics warn that negotiating with bandits could legitimize criminal activity and encourage further violence, while supporters argue that a combination of dialogue, disarmament, and reintegration may offer the best chance for lasting peace. As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, the debate over negotiation versus military action remains at the forefront of national discourse, highlighting the complexity of resolving the country’s persistent banditry crisis.