Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has reignited debate over whether Nigeria should open direct talks with Boko Haram insurgents and bandits, arguing that dialogue used to address Niger Delta militancy should not be ruled out in the North.
In a Facebook post, Gumi cited former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who met armed actors in the Niger Delta before wider peace efforts.
“The former President Jonathan visited delta militants in the creeks, as did the former Vice-President Osinbajo. They all came up with a program to tame the militants,” he wrote.
He then asked: “Who is going to visit BH and Bandits to tame them without fools castigating them?”
Gumi has long defended negotiations, saying they can reduce violence, encourage defections and support lasting peace. Critics argue talks could legitimise groups accused of killings, kidnappings and other crimes. Supporters point to interventions reportedly linked to the release of abducted victims.
The cleric has denied supporting terrorism or banditry, saying his contacts with armed groups seek to stop bloodshed and persuade fighters to surrender.
Nigeria’s Niger Delta experience included the 2009 Presidential Amnesty Programme under late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, later sustained by Jonathan. Militants surrendered weapons for rehabilitation, training, education and reintegration, helping reduce attacks on oil facilities. Jonathan had earlier met Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, in the creeks, while Osinbajo later visited Niger Delta communities.
Gumi’s comments come as the Federal Government maintains military operations against insurgents and armed groups amid renewed Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks, kidnappings and banditry.
Security analysts warn that Boko Haram’s extremist, transnational character differs from Niger Delta militancy. They say dialogue may work only with credible leadership, willingness to negotiate and firm enforcement.
Gumi’s intervention has again raised the question of whether military force alone can defeat insurgency or whether structured dialogue should also be considered.
