Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has urged the Federal Government to consider granting amnesty to armed bandits, similar to the rehabilitation programme extended to repentant Boko Haram members who surrendered to the military.

Speaking during a press conference at his residence in Kaduna on Monday, Gumi said Nigeria’s prolonged dependence on military operations had failed to end insurgency and banditry across parts of the country.

According to him, the government should adopt alternative strategies focused on dialogue, rehabilitation, and reintegration rather than relying solely on force.

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

He argued that authorities should engage bandits directly, encourage them to leave forest hideouts, and invest in social interventions, including education for their children.

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

The cleric also criticised previous efforts that, according to him, involved financial inducements without a structured reintegration plan.

Gumi noted that some bandits had indicated willingness to surrender their weapons if they were guaranteed protection from arrest or retaliation.

“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 amnesty so that they don’t fear putting down their arms.”

He further stressed the need for the government to prioritise rehabilitation and reintegration strategies for insurgents who surrender.

During the briefing, Gumi also dismissed allegations linking him to terrorism or support for violent groups.

“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo, suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry or terrorism in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me,” he said.

The cleric expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges, while calling for collective efforts to address the underlying causes of violence, including poverty, ignorance, and social injustice.

“I sincerely hope that our great nation will heal, and that all victims affected by this violence will find comfort in the collective determination of the nation and the international community to achieve a lasting solution,” he added.