I Warned Against Danger of Radicalizing Bandits — Sheikh Gumi Speaks Out

Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has reiterated his concerns about the increasing radicalization of bandits in Nigeria.

In a video shared on his Facebook page, Gumi highlighted the alarming shift in the bandits' motivations, which he believes are now ideologically driven rather than ethnically motivated.

Gumi's warning comes after a recent incident where bandits burned two Nigerian military Mines Resistant Armour Personnel (MRAP) vehicles in Zamfara State. The vehicles had become stuck in the mud, leading to an intense gunfight between the troops and the bandits.

Security expert Zagola Makama noted that the troops were forced to withdraw, leaving the vehicles behind. Hours later, the bandits were seen celebrating their "victory" over the military, chanting religious slogans and shooting in the sky.

Sheikh Gumi expressed his concern that this behavior indicates a dangerous shift towards radicalization. He stated, "Initially, bandits were fighting an ethnic war that could be resolved. I warned if the kinetic [approach] is intensified, they will turn into ideologically motivated guerilla warfare. Nobody listened."

He further emphasized the gravity of the situation by comparing it to Boko Haram, noting that while both groups commit similar crimes, the latter believes they are serving God, making the conflict much harder to resolve.

Gumi has long advocated for dialogue and negotiation with the bandits as a means to address the security crisis in northern Nigeria. He criticized the government's kinetic approach, arguing that it only exacerbates the problem.

"The difference between the former and the latter is that ideological war is almost intractable; Boko Haram (BH) is an example. They commit the same crime, but this time, they think they are serving God. The picture is gloomy," he added.

In light of these developments, Gumi urged the government to intervene urgently to prevent further escalation.