Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has said Nigeria may have recorded greater progress against banditry if more Islamic scholars had been deployed to engage bandits in the North-West.
The Islamic cleric shared his view on Wednesday through his official Facebook page.
Gumi said religious dialogue could work alongside security operations.
He also suggested that such engagement could reduce the need for military action in some cases.
Why Gumi wants more scholars involved
Gumi said many bandits have been affected by ignorance and social neglect.
He also linked the crisis to deprivation.
According to him, these factors have helped create conditions in which banditry can continue.
The cleric therefore called for more credible Islamic scholars to engage directly with affected groups.
Religious teachings as a tool
Gumi said the message should focus on the sanctity of human life.
He also wants scholars to teach that people’s property must be respected.
In addition, he stressed that Islam prohibits killing and oppression.
He said the campaign has involved preaching to bandits since 2021.
Gumi believes the effort could have achieved more with wider participation from Islamic scholars.
‘People are victims of prejudice’
The cleric said some people fail to understand the background of those involved in banditry.
He argued that ignorance, deprivation and neglect should also be addressed.
“People are the victims of their own prejudice,” Gumi wrote.
He maintained that dialogue and religious education could complement the security response to banditry.
Bandit attacks remain a major security concern in parts of northern Nigeria, with authorities continuing to rely on military and other security operations.
