Cleric says Israel-Hamas truce proves negotiating with bandits can bring peace; warns security agencies not to sabotage local deals
Katsina — In a fresh and provocative appeal that is already stirring debate, Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi on Monday renewed his call for the Federal Government to open peace talks with bandit groups operating across northern Nigeria — saying the recent Israel-Hamas truce shows even sworn enemies can be coaxed into ceasefires through dialogue.
Gumi, a controversial but influential figure known for advocating negotiation with armed groups, made the comparison in a Facebook post after local authorities in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina reportedly held direct talks with some bandits. “Peace between Israel and Hamas they term as terrorists brokered by USA. Who said there is no peace with terrorists? Make peace with bandits and let us have peace,” he wrote.
The cleric urged security agencies to avoid undermining nascent local agreements and instead assist in guiding former fighters back into peaceful civilian life — drawing a direct parallel with the Niger Delta militants’ rehabilitation programme. “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,” he added in remarks rendered in Hausa.
The renewed push follows a community-level initiative in Sabuwa where traditional rulers and other local leaders reportedly engaged bandit elements in an effort to restore calm to the council area. Supporters say such grassroots diplomacy — if properly managed — could blunt the violence that has plagued large swathes of the North. Critics warn that negotiating with criminals risks rewarding violence and may undermine rule of law.
Gumi has advanced similar positions before. In September he appealed to security agencies to support, not scuttle, negotiated arrangements and last month reiterated that the state should pursue pragmatic options to secure lives and property.
Observers pointed to Gumi’s dramatic recommendation in May 2022 — when he controversially suggested that the government should accede to some demands of kidnappers to secure the release of victims. Speaking at a special prayer in Kaduna for the 62 people abducted from the Abuja-Kaduna train attack of March 28, 2022, Gumi proposed that funds spent by political hopefuls on nomination forms be redirected to ransom payments for poor Nigerians who cannot afford them. “Just imagine now, people are paying up to N25 billion to buy forms instead of using the money to pay ransom for poor Nigerians who cannot pay,” he said at the time. “Whatever they want, give it to them, so that they release these people and when they release them then, you have the liberty.”
Those remarks prompted sharp criticism from many quarters, with opponents accusing him of encouraging impunity; his supporters argue he is merely pragmatic and focused on saving lives.
Nigeria faces a stark choice as attacks, kidnappings and communal raids continue to devastate communities: rely exclusively on military pressure — which critics say has had limited success — or combine force with carefully negotiated, monitored disengagements and rehabilitation programmes. The Israel-Hamas truce referenced by Gumi — brokered by global diplomatic actors — is being proffered by the cleric as a real-world example that even entrenched adversaries can be brought, however imperfectly, to the negotiating table.
Whether Abuja will heed Gumi’s call remains uncertain. Security experts stress that any talks must protect victims’ rights, avoid rewarding violence, and be linked to credible disarmament, rehabilitation and reintegration plans — lessons drawn from past Nigerian amnesty programmes.
Pull-quote: “Who said there is no peace with terrorists? Make peace with bandits and let us have peace.” — Sheikh Ahmad Gumi
Quick take: Gumi’s intervention rekindles a fraught national debate — one that asks whether peace at any price is preferable to the continuing bloodletting, and who ultimately will manage the transition from forest camps to lawful lives.
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