Gumi Urges Security Agencies to Support Peace Deal With Bandits, Calls for Rehabilitation Like Niger Delta Militants

Date: September 21, 2025
Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi

Katsina, Nigeria – Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has called on the Nigerian military and security agencies to support ongoing peace efforts with armed bandit groups, urging a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than confrontation.

Speaking in Hausa on Saturday during a community-led peace engagement in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, Gumi expressed gratitude for the reported peace settlement between traditional rulers, community leaders, and bandits operating in the forests. He emphasized that such efforts should be protected rather than sabotaged.

“Alhamdulillah. News has come that today, Sabuwa Local Government has also held a peace settlement with the bandits in the forests, to establish peace throughout the entire local government area. Those who fuel war, may Allah bring them down. And may the security agencies avoid destroying this peace agreement, but instead teach them how to live in peace, just as was done with the Niger Delta militants. May Allah bring us peace. Ameen,” Gumi said.

The cleric drew a parallel to the federal government’s past amnesty program that successfully disarmed and rehabilitated Niger Delta militants, turning them into productive members of society. According to Gumi, a similar approach can bring lasting peace to northern Nigeria’s troubled regions.

The peace talks in Sabuwa are part of a broader state initiative aimed at reducing attacks, kidnappings, and killings that have plagued Katsina and other northwestern states. Last week, a similar dialogue session was held in Faskari Local Government Area, where some notorious bandit leaders attended, openly carrying weapons.

While these peace efforts have been welcomed by many local stakeholders, some residents and analysts remain cautious about trusting the sincerity of the armed groups. They warn that granting them a safe passage could embolden others, leading to a cycle of amnesty and renewed violence if the agreements are not carefully monitored.

Nonetheless, Gumi maintains that dialogue remains the most sustainable path to stability, and that the military’s role should now shift towards guiding these groups away from criminality rather than solely engaging them in combat operations.

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Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Publisher, Global Egberi Media International

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Tags: #Gumi #Bandits #KatsinaPeaceDeal #NigerDeltaAmnesty #SecurityAgencies #Nigeria