Gumi says bandits want peace, will back Kanu’s pardon if remorseful

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has defended his call for a non-kinetic approach to address insecurity in Nigeria, stressing that some armed groups are ready to lay down their weapons.

The cleric also stated that he would be willing to lead calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, if he expresses genuine remorse.

Speaking on Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Gumi argued that some armed groups are ready to lay down their weapons, noting that the government should consider a non-kinetic approach instead of solely relying on military action.

“We have people who are ready to put down their arms, so why do you always decide it has to be kinetic?” he asked, emphasising the need for non-violent solutions in Nigeria’s security challenges.

“Even America could not succeed in Afghanistan, even Israel could not succeed in a small strip of land. Our army is not designed for guerrilla warfare; no army is designed for the kind of people we are facing now, no army is designed for it.”

He further stated that he would support amnesty for the IPOB leader if he shows genuine regret for past actions.

“This Kanu that was imprisoned for terrorism for agitating that our soldiers should be killed, if this same Kanu now will show remorse and also call for peace, honestly, I will be in the forefront in calling for his pardon and amnesty for him,” he said.

Kanu was convicted on seven counts of terrorism by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025.

Citing historical precedents, Gumi referenced past presidential decisions to pardon high-profile agitators.

“Look, Shagari, our president, we are from the same town. Shagari gave amnesty to Ojukwu. Look at Umaru Yar’Adua; he gave amnesty to the Niger Delta militants, who have also committed acts of terrorism. So, this is how we are,” he added.

On whether individual offenders should also be reintegrated if they show remorse, Gumi drew a distinction between communal conflict and individual criminality.

“You’re saying that it’s a communal clash, it’s different from individual criminality. That’s why, after the civil war, atrocities were committed from both sides, and over two million people died, and yet the engineers were pardoned… because it’s communal.

“But if it’s an individual killing an individual now, this law will come in. But when communities are fighting, who are you going to judge? So now we’re trying to stop bleeding,” he said.

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Gumi concluded by urging a focus on peace and reconciliation. “We want peace in Nigeria, in every area. Wherever there is tension.”

His remarks come as insecurity in the country continues to escalate. In recent weeks, multiple incidents, including the mass abduction of schoolchildren and worshippers in various states, have raised serious concerns about public safety.