Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has argued that describing bandits as terrorists could make it more difficult to achieve lasting peace through dialogue and negotiations.
Gumi stated that branding armed groups as terrorists often hardens positions and reduces opportunities for meaningful engagement that could lead to the release of victims and the resolution of conflicts.
According to him, peace negotiations remain an important option in addressing Nigeria’s prolonged security crisis, particularly in areas affected by banditry and mass abductions.
The cleric maintained that while criminal activities must be condemned and perpetrators held accountable, dialogue should not be completely ruled out if it can help save lives and restore peace to affected communities.
Gumi also urged the Federal Government to adopt a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity by combining military operations with non-violent conflict resolution strategies where appropriate.
His comments come amid ongoing national debates over the most effective way to confront banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime across the country.
Successive governments have intensified military operations against armed groups, while some stakeholders continue to advocate for negotiations as part of broader efforts to restore security and stability.
The remarks are expected to generate fresh debate over Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy and the role of dialogue in resolving long-running security challenges.
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