Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has defended his controversial engagement with terrorists and armed bandit groups in northern Nigeria, dismissing renewed calls for his arrest as “misguided, intolerant, and politically motivated.”

Gumi, who has long positioned himself as a mediator between armed groups and the Nigerian government, made the remarks in a statement issued on Sunday. He reiterated that his interventions have led to the surrender of no fewer than 600 bandits.

For years, Gumi has been a polarising figure. While some Nigerians see him as a peace negotiator seeking non-violent solutions to insecurity, others accuse him of providing cover for terrorists by openly advocating dialogue rather than military confrontation.

Responding sharply to his critics, Gumi described those demanding his arrest as “spineless, irresponsible, and unpatriotic imbecilic people,” arguing that they prefer “outrage to truth” and deliberately politicise efforts aimed at curbing insecurity.

“ARREST HIM!!! These are the only words some spineless, irresponsible, and unpatriotic imbecilic people can utter,” he wrote, accusing his detractors of bigotry, ignorance, and intolerance for opposing viewpoints.

Gumi recounted one of his most notable interventions in January 2021 in Sabon Garin Yadi forest, located in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. He said he visited the forest alongside the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, who represented the Inspector-General of Police during the mission.

According to him, the peace meeting involved “over 600 bandits and their commanders” and formed part of a government-sanctioned initiative to persuade armed groups to surrender their weapons, abandon violence, and embrace dialogue.

“I was at Sabon Garin Yadi forest, accompanied by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police. This meeting was part of a peace initiative where we preached to over 600 bandits and their commanders, who agreed to lay down their arms in exchange for security and basic amenities,” he said.

Gumi insisted that the dialogue was legitimate, transparent, and conducted with the full knowledge and approval of relevant authorities. However, he criticized the government for failing to honour the conditions presented by the bandits — including safety assurances and access to basic amenities — which he said ultimately caused the peace initiative to collapse.

He questioned why critics are attacking him instead of examining the government’s alleged failure to keep its commitments.

“The purpose of the meeting was an effort to de-escalate violence by having bandits surrender their weapons and embrace peace. The outcome was that over 600 bandits agreed to lay down their arms. They presented conditions to the government. None fulfilled,” he noted.

Gumi also challenged the legal and moral basis for those demanding his arrest, arguing that his actions were intended to reduce violence and were conducted in the nation’s interest.

“So, what is there to arrest for? For calling them to lay arms or amenities for them, or to educate the nation on their side of the story?” he asked.

He further accused his critics of hypocrisy, insisting that free speech is protected under the Nigerian Constitution and that differing opinions must not be criminalised.

“Is free speech no longer part of our constitutional right? Is their call for arrest not also prejudiced and an incitement to more violence?” he queried.

The cleric urged Nigerians to approach the country’s security challenges with reason rather than emotion. He argued that silencing advocates of dialogue will not address the socioeconomic conditions driving rural criminality.

Gumi ended his statement with prayers for unity and a warning against hate-driven narratives.

“May Allah protect our nation from bigotry, stubborn and complete intolerance of contrary views and opinions,” he wrote.