Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has denied supporting bandits, insisting that he is only involved in peace efforts, as calls for his arrest intensified amid a fresh wave of kidnappings across northern Nigeria that has forced school closures and renewed security crackdowns by the Federal Government.

He stated this on Monday, during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, where he defended recent calls to have him arrested after the likes of Nnamdi Kanu were sentenced to life imprisonment while Sunday Igboho was abruptly silenced by the government.

Gumi’s comments come just days after a series of violent abductions in Kebbi, Niger, Kwara and Borno states, targeting schools and churches, which prompted President Bola Tinubu to order the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs and redeploy them to vulnerable areas, while several Federal Government Colleges and public schools across parts of Katsina, Niger, Kebbi and some local government areas of Kwara were shut down due to security threats.

*Intermediary Role: Peacemaker, Not Spokesperson*

Speaking on the programme, Gumi rejected allegations that his engagement with armed groups amounts to endorsement, saying his role was strictly humanitarian and conflict-resolution based.

“I am absolutely a peacemaker. I don’t want bloodshed. Nigerians forget that our military men are dying too. We recently lost a Brigadier General because of a stalemate with Boko Haram. These terrorists are supported by international interest groups who supply them logistics, weapons and intelligence. So, we are not fighting a ragtag group, we are fighting an international network,” he said.

The cleric argued that many armed herders lacked channels to express grievances, forcing them into violent confrontations.

“It is like a doctor explaining an illness. People accuse the doctor of supporting the sickness. Understanding their side is the only way to propose a cure,” Gumi added.

He said dialogue remained the only sustainable approach to resolving the crisis, warning that military force alone would not end the conflict.

“Peace is still sweeter than war. Many of these fighters believe they are ready to die. We must show them the value of peace, education, hospitals and a better life. Their brutality is a sign of weakness, not strength,” he said.

*International Sponsorship and Misconceptions*

On the allegation of global links to insecurity in Nigeria, the cleric maintained that terrorist activities were not isolated from foreign interests.

“Boko Haram, yes. There are professional, international interests involved, foreign bodies that supply them weapons and intelligence. The bandits, on the other hand, have more rudimentary weapons,” he said.

*On United States Genocidal Claim*

Gumi also dismissed the claim that Nigeria was experiencing a religious war, describing the narrative as misleading.

“There is no Christian-Muslim war in Nigeria. Anyone pushing that narrative is not telling the truth,” he said.

He reacted to comments credited to former United States President Donald Trump on Christian persecution in Nigeria, describing them as uninformed.

“Trump is not to be taken seriously. He accused Nigeria before any investigation. America is after oil, both ours and Venezuela’s. Nigerians should not be excited about foreign interference,” he added.

*Zamfara Engagement and Calls for Arrest*

Responding to his controversial visits to bandit camps, Gumi insisted that he acted with the knowledge and invitation of government authorities.

“People do not know the full story. I was invited by the Zamfara State Government to help negotiate peace. We went with police, officials and the press. We sat with them only to hear their grievances. Many who shout online do not know the context,” he said.

He further defended recent military withdrawals during some attacks, citing tactical considerations.

“A platoon of nine soldiers cannot fight 300 bandits. The military sometimes must tactically withdraw to avoid unnecessary deaths. The bigger issue is lack of air support and drones,” he said.

*Dialogue, Amnesty, and the Way Forward*

On the way forward, Gumi called for a structured amnesty programme similar to that of the Niger Delta.

“Amnesty helps you identify the fighters and give them reasons to drop arms. You cannot fight a ghost enemy forever. Many herders fear arrest if they surrender. We need real dialogue to address their grievances,” he said.

He also proposed phased ranching supported by government infrastructure.

“We do not even have the resources to educate the young people already sitting peacefully with us. How then do we expect to ranch all the cattle in Nigeria? We must start with grazing routes and model ranches. If we create model ranches, herders will adopt them naturally,” he said.

Gumi warned against foreign military involvement, arguing that Nigeria must resolve its security problems internally.

“American military intervention will worsen things. Boko Haram is sponsored from outside, but herders are local and driven by survival. We should resolve the herder crisis internally,” he stated.

The scholar maintained that his interventions were not financially motivated.

“If I wanted money, I would join politics. I was a military captain. I am a medical doctor. I am not jobless and I do not need money from this,” he said.

As pressure mounts over the worsening insecurity and renewed calls for his arrest, Gumi insisted that his only interest remains stopping bloodshed and restoring peace in conflict-ravaged communities across the North.