Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has condemned calls for his arrest over his continued commentary on banditry and national security.

For years, Gumi has positioned himself as a mediator between government and bandit groups — a role that has drawn both support and criticism. His opponents accuse him of shielding criminals by advocating dialogue instead of military action.

In a Facebook statement on Sunday, Gumi described those calling for his arrest as “spineless, irresponsible and unpatriotic,” insisting he has done nothing wrong.

He recalled a key intervention in January 2021 at Sabon Garin Yadi forest in Giwa LGA, Kaduna State, where he met with more than 600 armed bandits. According to him, the mission was conducted with full knowledge of security authorities, including the then Kaduna State Commissioner of Police who accompanied him.

Gumi said the bandits agreed to surrender their weapons in exchange for basic amenities and assurances of safety, but the government failed to honour the conditions, causing the peace effort to collapse.

He questioned why his mediation efforts should provoke calls for his arrest, asking: “What is there to arrest me for? For calling them to lay down arms or for educating the nation on their side of the story?”

The cleric insisted that free speech remains a constitutional right and warned that targeting voices advocating dialogue only worsens insecurity.

Gumi urged Nigerians to set aside emotions and focus on practical solutions to the banditry crisis, adding that intolerance and bigotry remain major threats to peace.

“May Allah protect our nation from bigotry and complete intolerance of contrary views,” he wrote.