“Dialogue with Terrörists Aligns with Global Practice, Not Contrary to Holy Bible or Quran” – Sheikh Gumi

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has defended the practice of negotiating with terrorist groups, arguing it is a standard international strategy and not forbidden by the Bible or the Quran.

In an interview published by the BBC on Tuesday, Mr. Gumi rejected criticisms of government-led dialogue efforts. “When people argue against negotiating with terrorists, I’m not sure where that idea originates. You won’t find it in the Bible, the Quran, or even in common global practice,” he stated.

Mr. Gumi, who often acts as a mediator with criminal gangs known locally as bandits, insisted he will continue advocating for dialogue if it can prevent violence. He cited the United States’ negotiations with the Taliban as an example, stating, “We negotiate for peace and strategic interests. If talking stops bloodshed, we will do it”.

He further emphasized that engaging with outlaws is widespread, questioning, “Everybody negotiates with non-state actors… So where does this notion that ‘we don’t negotiate’ come from?”.

The cleric has consistently opposed large-scale military operations against these groups, describing bandits as reasonable and calling for government amnesty programs similar to those granted to militants in the Niger Delta. He has previously characterized kidnapping as a “lesser evil” in certain contexts.

Despite his advocacy, violent attacks and mass kidnappings for ransom persist across multiple northern states, and past peace deals arranged by state governments have largely failed.