Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the arrest of Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi over comments the lawyer described as sympathetic to armed bandits and terrorists operating in parts of northern Nigeria.
Adeyanju’s demand followed widespread reactions to remarks attributed to Gumi in which the cleric reportedly argued that armed groups should not be treated as enemies and that dialogue remained necessary in addressing insecurity. The comments sparked criticism on social media and among security commentators, with some accusing the cleric of repeatedly making statements perceived as soft on bandit groups.
In a public reaction circulated online, Adeyanju urged the federal government to take action against Gumi, insisting that any individual making comments interpreted as supportive of criminal or terrorist groups should face investigation under Nigerian law. He argued that allowing such statements without consequences could undermine ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry across the country.
The lawyer stated that Nigeria’s security crisis has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced many communities, particularly in parts of the North-West and North-Central regions where armed groups have carried out mass abductions, attacks on villages, and killings over the past several years.
Ahmad Gumi has previously advocated dialogue and negotiations with armed groups as part of efforts to reduce violence, a position that has generated controversy within political and security circles. The cleric has on several occasions argued that non-kinetic approaches, including reconciliation and rehabilitation, should complement military operations in addressing insecurity.
Critics, however, have repeatedly accused him of making statements perceived as justifying or normalising the activities of armed groups, allegations he has consistently denied. Supporters of the cleric argue that his engagement with bandit leaders was intended to encourage peace and surrender rather than support criminality.
Nigeria has faced prolonged insecurity linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnappings for ransom, and communal violence, with security agencies continuing military operations against armed groups in several regions. The federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to intensify counterterrorism measures and strengthen national security coordination.
The latest controversy surrounding Gumi’s remarks has further intensified public debate over how Nigeria should address insecurity, particularly whether dialogue with armed groups should play any role alongside military enforcement strategies.
Legal and security analysts note that public comments relating to terrorism and armed violence often attract strong reactions due to the sensitivity of the country’s security situation and the scale of casualties recorded in recent years.
As reactions continue, neither the presidency nor security agencies had publicly announced any formal action against Ahmad Gumi at the time of reporting, while discussions surrounding his comments continued to dominate political and security conversations online.
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