Gumi Questions FG’s Refusal To Dialogue With Bandits, Boko Haram, Cites Niger Delta Precedent

Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has questioned why the Federal Government has not adopted dialogue with Boko Haram insurgents and armed bandits, drawing comparisons with peace efforts that helped end militancy in the Niger Delta. In a Facebook post on Saturday, Gumi recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo engaged Niger Delta militants through visits to their camps as part of efforts to restore peace in the region. According to him, those engagements paved the way for programmes that significantly reduced militancy in the oil-producing region, demonstrating that dialogue could be an effective tool in resolving conflicts that seemed intractable. “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,” Gumi wrote, emphasising that the Nigerian government had successfully used engagement strategies in the past and could replicate such approaches in the current context. He wondered why a similar strategy has not been extended to armed groups operating in northern Nigeria, asking: “Who is going to visit BH and Bandits to tame them without fools castigating them?” , expressing frustration that those who advocate for dialogue are often met with public condemnation rather than constructive engagement.

Gumi has repeatedly advocated dialogue and rehabilitation as part of efforts to tackle insecurity in the North-West and North-East, positioning himself as a bridge between armed groups and the government. Over the years, he has visited bandit camps, particularly in Zamfara State, arguing that negotiations can complement military operations in achieving lasting peace, and that a purely kinetic approach has failed to yield the desired results. He has consistently maintained that the approach used to address the Niger Delta crisis should also be considered in tackling insecurity in northern Nigeria, pointing to the amnesty programme as a successful model of conflict resolution. The cleric has previously criticised the Federal Government’s classification of bandits as terrorist organisations, warning that the move could escalate insecurity and eliminate opportunities for dialogue, effectively closing the door on peaceful resolution. According to Gumi, some bandit groups had previously shown a willingness to negotiate and should not have been labelled terrorists, as such designations push them further into criminality and make engagement nearly impossible. “We don’t want to push them into terror beyond what they are doing now because it can get worse,” Gumi said in a viral video, cautioning that the government’s approach could backfire. He argued that some bandits in Zamfara State had in the past apprehended members of Boko Haram and handed them over to security agencies, suggesting that not all armed groups were aligned with extremist ideologies. The cleric further lamented that the designation has effectively shut down channels for engagement between clerics and armed groups, stating that “the only door that is remaining is for us clergy to go in and negotiate with them; that is closed permanently” , leaving little room for alternative pathways to peace.

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His approach has remained controversial, drawing both praise and sharp criticism from various quarters of Nigerian society. While some have credited his interventions with facilitating the release of kidnapped victims, critics argue that engaging armed groups risks legitimising those responsible for killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes, potentially encouraging more criminal activity. The cleric has consistently denied supporting terrorism, insisting that his contacts with bandits and insurgents are solely aimed at ending violence through peaceful negotiations, and that his primary concern is the safety and well-being of ordinary Nigerians caught in the crossfire. In a statement issued in May 2026, Gumi expressed concern over what he described as persistent misrepresentation of his views, stating unequivocally that any suggestion of support for banditry or terrorism does not emanate from him, and urging the public to separate his advocacy for dialogue from endorsement of criminal activity.

The Federal Government introduced the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme in 2009 under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, marking a significant shift in how the state addressed the militancy crisis in the oil-producing region. The initiative, which was continued by former President Jonathan, encouraged thousands of militants to surrender their weapons in exchange for training, stipends and reintegration, contributing to a significant decline in attacks on oil facilities and restoring relative peace to the region after years of devastating conflict. Jonathan had previously visited militant camps in the Niger Delta while serving as vice president, saying the engagements helped lay the groundwork for the amnesty programme, and that direct interaction with the militants was essential to understanding their grievances and finding a path forward. According to former Niger Delta Minister Elder Godsday Orubebe, Jonathan undertook a perilous mission into the creeks, defying resistance from security chiefs who refused to allow the Vice President to visit the militants, demonstrating the political will required to pursue peace through unconventional means. Osinbajo also met militants, community leaders and traditional rulers during visits to the region as acting president in 2017, maintaining that dialogue should complement security operations in addressing the region’s challenges, and that the government must be willing to listen to all citizens regardless of their past actions. He defended the meetings, saying those in the region were Nigerian citizens with genuine grievances that deserved attention, and that ignoring their concerns would only perpetuate the cycle of violence.

Gumi has also called for a shift from a purely military approach to tackling insecurity, arguing that Nigeria has relied predominantly on military force since 2009, yet insecurity has continued to spread, indicating that the current strategy is not yielding the desired results. He advocated a broader rehabilitation framework involving engagement with armed groups, dislodging them from forests, enrolling their children in schools and creating pathways for surrender through amnesty arrangements, addressing the root causes of banditry rather than merely its symptoms. The cleric’s latest remarks add to the ongoing national debate over the most effective strategy for addressing the prolonged insurgency and widespread banditry affecting several northern states, with opinions sharply divided between those who favour military action and those who believe dialogue offers a viable alternative. While some stakeholders have advocated military action as the primary response, others have argued that dialogue and non-military measures could also play a role in ending the violence, pointing to the Niger Delta experience as evidence that engagement can work. As of the time of this report, the Federal Government had not issued an official response to Gumi’s latest comments, leaving the debate unresolved and the security situation in northern Nigeria continuing to deteriorate.

Gumi Questions FG’s Refusal To Dialogue With Bandits, Boko Haram, Cites Niger Delta Precedent

Police deny IGP Olatunji Disu issued shoot-on-sight order for illegal firearm carriers

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed reports alleging that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu ordered officers to adopt a shoot-on-sight policy against anyone found carrying illegal firearms, describing the claims as false, misleading and a misrepresentation of the police chief’s remarks.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police said the reports, which circulated widely on social media and some online platforms, took the IGP’s comments out of context and created a false impression that he had authorised the summary execution of individuals found with illegal weapons.

According to the Force Headquarters, the controversial remarks were made during a stakeholders’ security meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, where the IGP addressed security challenges facing the state and other parts of the country.

The police clarified that at no point during the meeting did IGP Disu instruct officers to shoot anyone merely for possessing an illegal firearm. Instead, he reminded officers that only security personnel legally authorised under Nigerian law are permitted to carry firearms and stressed the growing threat posed by the proliferation of illegal weapons across the country.

The IGP noted that criminal groups, including kidnappers, armed robbers, bandits, cultists and other violent offenders, continue to rely on illegally acquired firearms to carry out attacks, making it imperative for law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to recover such weapons and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.

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The police further explained that the IGP’s remarks focused on the enforcement of Force Order 237, the operational guideline that regulates the lawful use of firearms by police officers while performing their official duties.

According to the Force, Force Order 237 clearly outlines the circumstances under which police officers may use firearms, including situations involving self-defence, the protection of lives, preventing the escape of dangerous suspects, or responding to an imminent threat capable of causing death or serious injury. The guideline does not permit officers to shoot individuals solely because they are found in possession of illegal firearms.

“The Inspector-General reminded officers that the use of firearms is governed by Force Order 237 and that every police officer must operate strictly within the law and approved Rules of Engagement. At no time did he issue a shoot-on-sight directive,” the statement said.

The clarification followed widespread reports suggesting that the police chief had introduced a nationwide shoot-on-sight policy, prompting public concern and debate over the legality of such an order.

The Nigeria Police Force maintained that the reports were inaccurate and urged Nigerians to rely only on official police communication channels for verified information relating to national security.

The Force also reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the 1999 Constitution, respecting the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians and ensuring that policing operations comply with existing laws and professional standards.

It stressed that officers are expected to perform their duties responsibly, lawfully and with respect for due process, adding that the use of force must always remain proportionate, necessary and consistent with established policing guidelines.

The police further warned that the circulation of misleading reports on security matters could create unnecessary fear, undermine public confidence in law enforcement agencies and hamper ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.

To address the controversy, the Force released the full video of the IGP’s remarks during the Makurdi stakeholders’ meeting, saying the recording provides the complete context of his comments and clearly shows that no shoot-on-sight directive was issued.

Reiterating its position, the Nigeria Police Force assured Nigerians that it remains committed to protecting lives and property, combating violent crime and enforcing the law professionally while operating within the limits of the Constitution, Force Order 237 and other relevant legal provisions.

Police deny IGP Olatunji Disu issued shoot-on-sight order for illegal firearm carriers

Bandits Abduct Zamfara LG Chairman, Kill Four Security Operatives

Suspected bandits have abducted the Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Hon. Nura Umar Bungudu (also known as Nura Abdullahi), following a deadly night attack on his residence that claimed the lives of four security operatives. The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Thursday when heavily armed gunmen reportedly invaded Bungudu town, located less than 20 kilometres from the Zamfara State capital, Gusau, and headed directly to the council chairman’s residence in the Zango area. The attackers, who came in large numbers and were equipped with sophisticated weapons, overwhelmed the security personnel stationed at the residence before abducting the chairman and members of his family, leaving the community in shock and fear.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the security team mounted a resistance but was unable to repel the attackers because of the superior firepower deployed by the gunmen. The victims have been identified as Inspector Basiru Lawal, Police Constable Hamza Muhammad, and two vigilantes, Nura ADC and Ibrahim Baare, all of whom lost their lives in the line of duty. Additionally, Bello Abdullahi, a former treasurer in the state Ministry of Finance, sustained injuries during the raid and is currently receiving medical treatment. “The bandits came into the town determined to carry out their mission. The chairman’s security team put up resistance, but they were outgunned,” the resident said. “They killed two policemen and two vigilantes, including one volunteer vigilante who had been actively helping to protect the town from bandit attacks,” he added, highlighting the bravery of the fallen security personnel.

According to the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops’ prompt intervention forced the terrorists to abandon five of the chairman’s family members, comprising two of his children, his mother, wife, and a relative, who were successfully rescued from the clutches of the abductors. However, the terrorists narrowly escaped into the surrounding bushes with the chairman, leaving behind the rescued family members who were taken to a safe location for medical evaluation and debriefing. “They kidnapped the chairman along with his wife and children, but security personnel later rescued some of the children. Unfortunately, the chairman was taken away,” the resident said, expressing relief that at least some family members were saved while lamenting the chairman’s continued captivity.

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Beyond the chairman and his family, the gunmen also abducted Halliru Soja, a staff member of the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, and Hussaini Naira, a POS operator, during the same attack, bringing the total number of abductees to at least three individuals in addition to the chairman. Security operatives who responded to the incident pursued the gunmen and reportedly rescued several of the children, but the chairman and the other abductees remain in captivity, with their whereabouts still unknown. The abduction of multiple individuals has heightened anxiety in the community, with residents fearing further attacks and calling on the government to take decisive action.

Following the incident, the Theatre Command activated a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes, demonstrating a multi-agency approach to addressing the security crisis. Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted chairman and other victims, with intelligence gathering and tactical manoeuvres underway. The Theatre Command has deployed all available resources in the ongoing operation and remains in close coordination with participating security agencies to ensure a swift and successful outcome. The Command assures the Government and people of Zamfara State that every lawful and operational measure is being taken to achieve a successful outcome, urging patience and cooperation from the public. Despite the mobilisation of reinforcement teams, they arrived after the attackers had already escaped, underscoring the challenges security forces face in responding to such rapid and well-coordinated attacks. “The security personnel tried their best, but by the time reinforcements got there, the bandits had already executed their plan and escaped,” the resident said, acknowledging the difficulties security forces encounter in combating banditry.

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The resident attributed the recurring attacks in the area to the sophisticated weapons allegedly possessed by the bandits and the activities of informants who aid their operations, pointing to a well-organised criminal network operating in the region. “They don’t give any warning before attacking. They come heavily armed and in large numbers. Despite the efforts of security forces, they still managed to escape with the chairman,” he added, expressing frustration at the bandits’ ability to evade capture. He called on the government and security agencies to improve security across Bungudu and other vulnerable communities in Zamfara State, emphasising the urgent need for enhanced protection. “Our people resisted alongside the security forces, but the bandits overpowered them. They carry sophisticated weapons that ordinary people cannot match. We appeal to the authorities to do more to protect lives and property,” he said, speaking on behalf of a community that has endured repeated attacks.

Bungudu LGA, located about 21 kilometres from the state capital, Gusau, is frequently targeted by bandits who kidnap for ransom and attack security outposts, making it one of the hotspots of insecurity in Zamfara State. In April, armed bandits riding more than 50 motorcycles invaded Yarkatsinan Laka, a village in the area, attacking a local security outpost and a clinic, killing two police officers, two health workers, and a patient, demonstrating the persistent threat facing the community. The latest abduction of the council chairman underscores the audacity of the bandits and the urgent need for a comprehensive security strategy to address the root causes of banditry in the state. The Theatre Command has appealed to members of the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and provide credible information through established security channels that may assist the ongoing operation, emphasising the importance of community cooperation in the fight against insecurity. “The Theatre remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property and will continue working with sister security agencies until the abducted chairman is safely reunited with his family and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement concluded, reaffirming the commitment of security forces to ending the scourge of banditry in Zamfara State. Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Zamfara State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were not returned at the time of this report, leaving the public awaiting further official updates on the ongoing rescue operation.

Bandits Abduct Zamfara LG Chairman, Kill Four Security Operatives