Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has urged the Federal Government to consider granting amnesty to armed bandits, arguing that years of military operations have failed to end Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Speaking during a press conference at his Kaduna residence on Monday, Gumi said the country should explore the same rehabilitation model adopted for repentant Boko Haram fighters who surrendered to security forces.

He questioned the effectiveness of the current security strategy, noting that reliance on military force alone had not produced lasting peace.

“If the kinetic approach is not working for 17 years, why don’t you change the approach? Let’s change the method,” Gumi said.

The cleric called for a broader response that goes beyond combat operations, including dialogue, education and reintegration programmes targeted at armed groups and their families.

“Let’s engage them. Let’s dislodge them from the forest. Let’s take their children and put them in school. Let’s do something different,” he stated.

According to him, some bandits have expressed willingness to surrender their weapons but remain fearful of arrest, reprisals or broken promises after laying down arms.

“These people told us they are ready to lay down their arms, but what are their conditions? Has anybody listened to them?” he asked.

“They said they fear when they lay down arms, they will then be pursued and arrested. So give them the amnesty so that they don’t need to fear putting down their arms.”

Gumi also used the briefing to distance himself from allegations of sympathy for terrorist or criminal groups, insisting that claims portraying him as a supporter of violence were false.

“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me… suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry or terrorism… does not emanate from me,” he said.

He expressed hope that Nigeria would overcome its security crisis through a strategy that addresses poverty, social injustice and the deeper drivers of violence.

His remarks are expected to revive debate over how Nigeria should confront banditry and insurgency as attacks, kidnappings and displacement continue to unsettle communities across parts of the country. (The Sun)