Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has questioned why no Nigerian government official has engaged Boko Haram insurgents and armed bandits through direct dialogue in the same way previous administrations reached out to Niger Delta militants.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Gumi recalled visits by former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to militant camps in the Niger Delta, saying those engagements led to programmes that helped reduce militancy in the region.
“The former President Jonathan visited delta militants in the creeks, so also the former vice president Osinbajo. They all came up with a program to tame the militants,” he wrote.
He asked why a similar approach had not been adopted in addressing insecurity in northern Nigeria.
Gumi has consistently advocated dialogue with armed groups, arguing that negotiations should complement military operations in resolving the country’s security challenges.
Over the years, he has visited camps linked to armed groups in parts of northern Nigeria, maintaining that his engagements are intended to promote peace and secure the release of kidnap victims.
His approach has remained controversial, with critics accusing him of legitimising violent groups, while supporters argue that dialogue can help reduce bloodshed and create opportunities for lasting peace.
The cleric has repeatedly denied supporting terrorism, insisting that his advocacy is aimed solely at ending violence through negotiation and rehabilitation.
Gumi also referenced the Presidential Amnesty Programme introduced in 2009, under which thousands of Niger Delta militants surrendered their arms in exchange for rehabilitation, vocational training and reintegration support.
The latest comments come as Nigeria continues to confront security challenges posed by Boko Haram, ISWAP and armed bandit groups across several northern states.
