Sheikh Ahmad Gumi dissociated himself from online reports and materials that linked him to banditry support on May 23, 2026. He described the contents as fake and manipulated.
Gumi issued the statement amid growing circulation of video clips and messages. These materials suggested he advocated for or protected bandits operating in northern Nigeria.
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi stated unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to him did not come from him. He said the materials suggested support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry in Nigeria or elsewhere.
He blamed individuals and groups with ethnic and sectional interests for doctoring his past comments. Gumi had previously called for dialogue with bandits to address insecurity.
The cleric threatened legal action against those responsible for the false attributions. He stressed that he did not support bandit activities.
Gumi noted that he engaged with bandit groups in 2021 to facilitate hostage releases, such as 27 students. However, he added that he ended all contacts after the government designated the groups as terrorists.
Banditry continued to plague northern states with kidnappings and attacks. Critics often highlighted Gumi’s earlier calls for amnesty and negotiations as sympathetic to the criminals.
In his latest move, Gumi distanced himself clearly from any perceived endorsement. He maintained that his position focused on peaceful resolution rather than support for crime.
The development highlighted ongoing debates over approaches to insecurity in Nigeria, with some favoring military action and others dialogue. Gumi’s denial came as public frustration with banditry persisted.
