Sheikh Gumi Reiterates Warning on Radicalisation of Bandits

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has reiterated his concerns about the dangers of radicalising bandits in Nigeria. In a Facebook post on Saturday, Gumi shared a video of bandits celebrating and chanting in Arabic, underscoring his earlier warnings on the issue.

“Initially, bandits were engaged in an ethnic conflict that could be resolved. I cautioned that if the kinetic approach [military force] was intensified, it would push them towards ideologically motivated guerilla warfare. No one listened,” Gumi wrote.

He highlighted the transformation of the conflict, noting the increased complexities posed by ideological warfare. “The difference between the former and the latter is that ideological war is almost intractable; Boko Haram (BH) is an example. They commit the same crimes, but now they believe they are serving God. The picture is gloomy,” he added.

This statement from Gumi comes amid growing concerns about the increasing radicalisation of bandits across Nigeria.

In March, a Yoruba socio-cultural group, Igbimo Asoju Yoruba, called on the federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to investigate Sheikh Gumi and others in connection with the rise in kidnapping and banditry activities in the country.

Sheikh Gumi has drawn controversy in the past for advocating negotiations with bandits, including those responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren in Kaduna State.