Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has stated that the Nigerian military alone cannot defeat bandits terrorizing communities across the country. He urged the government to consider negotiation as a viable strategy to end the ongoing insecurity.

Gumi emphasized that purely military solutions have not brought lasting peace, pointing out that attacks on villages and farmlands continue despite security operations. He believes dialogue with bandit groups could reduce killings and kidnappings.

The scholar’s call for negotiation has sparked mixed reactions from citizens and politicians. Some agree that dialogue may save lives, while others insist on stronger military action to restore security.

Gumi concluded that a combination of dialogue and security measures may be the most effective way to tackle banditry, urging the government to act swiftly to protect innocent Nigerians.