7 years of force has failed, try amnesty for bandits — Gumi tells FG

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Mahmoud Gumi has called on the Federal Government to grant amnesty to armed bandits, arguing that Nigeria should adopt the same rehabilitation and reintegration approach used for repentant Boko Haram members who surrendered to the military.

Speaking during a press conference at his residence in Kaduna on Monday, May 25, 2026, Gumi said Nigeria’s prolonged reliance on military force had failed to end banditry and insurgency after nearly two decades. The cleric questioned the effectiveness of the government’s continued reliance on a kinetic approach, noting that the country had spent years battling insecurity without lasting success since the Boko Haram insurgency escalated in 2009.

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

Gumi argued that previous attempts at negotiation in states such as Katsina and Zamfara failed because authorities focused mainly on financial settlements without establishing long-term rehabilitation programmes. “Because what Katsina did is to bring the bandits, give them money, and let them go. Why don’t we change the method? Let’s engage them,” he said.

The cleric proposed a broader strategy centred on dialogue, rehabilitation, education and amnesty for repentant bandits willing to surrender their weapons. He called for a comprehensive approach that would involve removing armed groups from forests, educating their children, and creating sustainable rehabilitation programmes. “Let’s dislodge them from the forest. Let’s take their children and put them in school. Let’s do something different,” Gumi said.

The cleric argued that relying solely on military operations would not end insecurity, claiming that several military officers had privately admitted that force accounts for only a fraction of the solution. “The kinetic approach is just about 25 percent of solving this kind of problem,” he stated, calling for government action to address poverty, ignorance and social injustice, which he described as root causes of violence.

READ ALSO:

• Iru Ekun: I’ve submitted documents, awaiting FG’s approval — Igboho
• Mass Defection Hits Bauchi APC as Senators, Reps, Aspirants Dump Ruling Party
• It’s My Job to Weaken Opposition, APC Chairman Declares

According to Gumi, some bandits have expressed willingness to lay down their arms if they are guaranteed protection from arrest or retaliation after surrendering. “These people told us they are ready to lay down their arms, but what are their conditions? Has anybody listened to them?” he queried. He said many fighters fear arrest or reprisals if they surrender, insisting that a structured amnesty programme would encourage more militants to disarm voluntarily.

“They said they fear when they lay down arms, they will then be pursued and arrested. So give them the amnesty so that they don’t need to fear putting down their arms,” Gumi said. Drawing parallels with the rehabilitation programme for repentant Boko Haram members, he maintained that similar measures could produce better results than years of military confrontation. “From the number of Boko Haram repentants, which are in thousands, you can see that the same approach can be applied to the bandits,” he stated.

Gumi also used the briefing to deny allegations that he supports terrorism or violent groups, accusing what he described as “ethnic-interest groups,” individuals driven by prejudice, and online content creators of deliberately twisting his public comments and media interviews to portray him as a supporter of insecurity.

“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 declared. The cleric warned that anyone circulating “fake, manipulated and doctored materials” against him would face legal action, stating that such falsehoods are being spread to attract viewership at the expense of human suffering and sacrifice.

“I have no association with insecurity in Nigeria. On the contrary, I am a peaceful citizen who loves this country more than anything,” he said. Defending his controversial meetings with bandits in the past, he said the engagements were carried out with the knowledge of authorities and were intended to persuade fighters to surrender their weapons. “I made them swear before God that they would stop stealing, stop killing and lay down their arms, and some of them did,” he said.

The cleric linked insecurity to poverty, social injustice and corruption, urging leaders to pursue reforms capable of addressing the root causes of violence. “We need sanity in governance. We don’t want to hear stories of government officials swallowing billions of naira while talking about fighting criminals. Crime is crime,” he said.

He expressed hope that Nigeria would eventually overcome insecurity through collective efforts aimed at addressing poverty, ignorance and social injustice, which he identified as underlying drivers of violence. “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 to the insecurity fueled over time by ignorance, poverty, and widespread social injustice,” he added.

Gumi has repeatedly canvassed amnesty for bandits over the years. In 2021, he argued that if those involved in Nigeria’s civil war and past military coups were pardoned, repentant bandits should also be considered for forgiveness. His position has remained controversial, with critics arguing that granting blanket amnesty could embolden criminal groups and undermine justice for victims of terrorism and banditry.

7 years of force has failed, try amnesty for bandits — Gumi tells FG

Iru Ekun: I’ve submitted documents, awaiting FG’s approval — Igboho

Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, on Monday disclosed that he was still awaiting the Federal Government’s approval for the takeoff of his security outfit, Iru Ekun Security Network, as part of moves to dislodge criminal elements from South-West forests.

In a statement issued in Ibadan on Monday, May 25, 2026, Igboho revealed that all necessary documents and procedural requirements needed for the approval of Iru Ekun Security Network had been submitted to the Federal Government. He expressed optimism that the approval would be granted soon, allowing his outfit to commence operations aimed at tackling the growing insecurity plaguing the region. Igboho also expressed his readiness to comply with the executive order recently issued by the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, to regulate activities of private security firms in the state.

The PUNCH reports that Makinde, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, signed into law Executive Order 001 of 2026, regulating associations, groups, and organisations offering security and allied services in the state. Makinde said the move was necessary to ensure that all groups and associations involved in security-related activities, such as vigilante and other community-based security networks, operate within a clear legal and operational framework that supports peace, order and the rule of law in the state. The governor noted that the executive order became necessary in view of the growing security challenges confronting communities and the increasing number of groups engaging in security-related activities without proper coordination.

Igboho emphasized that his security network is fully prepared to work alongside existing security agencies to flush out criminal elements terrorizing rural communities across the South-West. “We are absolutely ready to collaborate with the police, Department of State Service (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other relevant stakeholders in the security sector to flush out terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, and other hoodlums who are threatening the peace and safety of our people, most especially in rural communities,” Igboho stated. He explained that the security initiative was designed to complement the efforts of existing security agencies in tackling kidnappings, banditry and other violent crimes affecting communities in the region, especially rural areas. The outfit’s proposed areas of operation include forests across Yorubaland, which have become hideouts for bandits and kidnappers.

READ ALSO:

• Mass Defection Hits Bauchi APC as Senators, Reps, Aspirants Dump Ruling Party
• It’s My Job to Weaken Opposition, APC Chairman Declares
• Police Arrest Abuja Chef Over Alleged N150m Robbery, Recover Victim’s iPhone

Igboho lauded President Bola Tinubu for his resolve and commitment to rejig security architecture in the South-West and Nigeria at large. “It is obvious that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is resolutely committed to tackle criminalities not only in the South-West but also in all other regions plagued by insecurity,” he said. This marks a notable shift from Igboho’s previous confrontations with the Federal Government, during which he was declared wanted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in 2021 over his agitation for Yoruba Nation and possession of prohibited firearms. His current approach appears to favor legal registration and collaboration with state authorities rather than unilateral action.

Igboho also expressed his readiness to comply with the Executive Order recently issued by Governor Seyi Makinde. “Besides, I want to state that we are also ready to comply with the new Executive Order issued by Governor Seyi Makinde to regulate the activities of private security concerns. We are ready to support and cooperate with measures aimed at strengthening the security and peace in Oyo and other states in Yorubaland,” Igboho affirmed. The executive order, signed last week, seeks to establish a legal and operational framework for groups involved in security-related activities amid growing insecurity and concerns over unregulated operations. Igboho said his organisation was willing to comply fully with the directive and support efforts aimed at strengthening security coordination in the state and across Yorubaland.

According to Igboho, rural communities remain the hub of agricultural production critical to the nation’s food security, making their protection a matter of national importance. “Without peace and security, healthy socioeconomic developments cannot thrive, most especially in the rural communities, which remain the hub of agricultural production critical to the nation’s food security and means of livelihood for farmers,” the statement concluded. This latest statement follows similar appeals Igboho made earlier in May 2026, where he urged the Federal Government and South-West governors to speed up approval for the operation of his security network. Reacting to the abduction of pupils and the killing of a teacher in Ahoro-Esinele community, Igboho had expressed frustration over the growing insecurity.

Igboho’s remarks come amid growing concerns over rising incidents of kidnappings, attacks on rural communities and increasing insecurity across parts of the South-West, particularly in forested areas linking Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and neighbouring states. The development also coincides with reports of an Emir escaping a bandits’ attack, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing the region.

As Igboho awaits the Federal Government’s approval, the security situation in the South-West remains tense. His stated readiness to collaborate with security agencies and comply with state regulations suggests a more institutional approach compared to his earlier confrontational stance. Igboho has maintained that he does not want to commence strategic operations without official approval from the Federal Government, South-West governors, and relevant security stakeholders. Whether the Federal Government will grant approval for Iru Ekun Security Network to commence operations remains to be seen. However, Igboho’s repeated appeals and the growing insecurity in the region may put pressure on authorities to act swiftly.

Iru Ekun: I’ve submitted documents, awaiting FG’s approval — Igboho

Police Arrest Abuja Chef Over Alleged N150m Robbery, Recover Victim’s iPhone

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) have arrested an Abuja-based chef, John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in a high-profile N150 million robbery targeting a residence in the Federal Capital Territory.

The suspect was arrested following investigations into the alleged theft of luxury items, cash and valuables from the Abuja residence where he was employed as a chef.

In a statement issued by the Force spokesperson, DCP Anthony Placide, the police said the suspect is being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, administering harmful substances, malicious damage to property and theft.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that Govi underwent professional training at a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, before securing employment at the residence.

Investigators alleged that after gaining the trust of the household, the suspect allegedly monitored the movement patterns of residents, observed internal security arrangements and studied the operational routine of the residence before carrying out the operation.

Police said the suspect reportedly coordinated with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently at large.

The alleged robbery took place on April 23, 2026, after food prepared within the residence was reportedly laced with a suspected sedative substance intended to incapacitate the occupants and security personnel.

READ ALSO:

• Gov Yusuf Approves N20,000 Eid-ul-Adha Goodwill Package for Civil Servants
• ‘INEC-Level Logistics’ – ADC Admits It Wasn’t Ready for 2027 Nationwide Primaries
• JAMB Sets Date for 2026 UTME Mop-Up, Directs Candidates to Reprint Slips

According to investigators, once the occupants became incapacitated, the suspect allegedly facilitated the entry of his accomplices into the residence.

The police said the gang then vandalised the property’s CCTV surveillance system, thoroughly searched the apartment and made away with cash alongside 20 luxury wristwatches valued at about ₦150 million.

Authorities said the stolen items included several high-value luxury timepieces, making the incident one of the most significant insider-linked theft cases recorded in Abuja in recent months.

Following intelligence-led tracking, police operatives intercepted the suspects while they were allegedly attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis on their way to Lagos.

During the operation, investigators recovered an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to the victim and a suspected chemical substance believed to have been used in carrying out the crime.

The recovered substance has reportedly been sent for forensic examination to determine its composition and confirm whether it was used to sedate the victims.

Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplices and recover the remaining stolen valuables.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to combating organised crime and urged Nigerians to conduct thorough background checks before employing domestic workers or private service personnel.

Security experts say the incident highlights growing concerns over insider-assisted robbery cases and the increasing sophistication of criminal tactics involving trusted domestic staff.

The case has also renewed calls for improved residential security systems and stronger vetting procedures for household employees across the country.

Police Arrest Abuja Chef Over Alleged N150m Robbery, Recover Victim’s iPhone