Negotiation Necessary, Abductions ‘Lesser Evil,’ Says Gumi

By ALIYU AMINU ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI (A.A.A.A.) SHEHU

SHEIKH Ahmad Gumi has defended his long-standing advocacy for dialogue with bandits, insisting that the abduction of schoolchildren, though “evil,” is a “lesser evil” compared to killing soldiers. Speaking to the BBC, he argued that not all criminal acts carry equal weight, especially in cases where abducted children are released unharmed.

Gumi referenced previous mass abductions, including in Kebbi State, to illustrate his claim that negotiated releases have prevented loss of life. He urged the public to understand that negotiation remains a practical tool, rejecting the notion that governments should refuse engagement with non-state actors.

He clarified that his earlier interventions with bandit groups were done openly and with government approval. However, he ended all involvement after the Federal Government declared the groups terrorists in 2021, saying there was no longer room for dialogue.

Commenting on Nigeria’s broader security challenges, Gumi warned that the military cannot be expected to resolve banditry without significant political and community involvement. He also emphasised that most bandits are Fulani herdsmen whose armed struggle is linked to livelihood pressures and traditional cattle ownership.