Gumi: I’d give terrorists, bandits six-month amnesty if I were president

Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has urged the Nigerian government to grant terrorists and bandits a six-month amnesty window to surrender their weapons, according to a report by Sahara Reporters.

Speaking in a viral video, Gumi questioned Abuja’s reliance on military solutions, insisting negotiation, as seen with the Taliban and Hamas, remains the better path. He proposed pairing amnesty with education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for surrendering fighters and their children, suggesting schools be built within affected communities.

Gumi also recalled former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s 2011 outreach to Boko Haram leaders in Maiduguri, which he claimed the government failed to follow through on. His renewed call revives Nigeria’s long-running debate on dialogue versus force against armed groups.