Popular Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has reacted strongly to fresh allegations linking him to banditry and terrorism, insisting that his past meetings with armed groups were part of officially approved peace efforts — not support for criminal activities.

The controversial cleric made the clarification in a formal statement following renewed criticism and viral discussions across social media.

According to Gumi, claims portraying him as a supporter or sympathiser of bandits are false, misleading, and deliberately manipulated.

He explained that his past visits to forest camps were carried out alongside security personnel, traditional rulers, and government representatives as part of dialogue and mediation initiatives aimed at reducing violence in northern Nigeria.

Gumi also revealed that once the Federal Government officially declared bandits as terrorists, he immediately stopped all contact with such groups to avoid violating Nigerian laws.

But what is now generating major reactions online is his claim that some viral videos and headlines circulating about him were allegedly doctored or taken out of context to damage his image.

According to the cleric, any material suggesting he supports criminal groups does not represent his true position.

He further warned that legal action may soon be taken against bloggers, individuals, and media platforms allegedly spreading defamatory content about him.

For years, Sheikh Gumi has remained one of the most controversial voices in Nigeria’s security conversation.

While supporters see him as a peace advocate trying to encourage dialogue and rehabilitation, critics argue that some of his past comments sounded too sympathetic toward armed groups.

Now, Nigerians are once again divided online.

Some believe dialogue and rehabilitation are necessary if the country truly wants long-term peace.

Others insist that negotiating with armed groups only emboldens criminal activities.

Many people are now asking:

Was Sheikh Gumi unfairly misunderstood all along?
Or should public figures be more careful with statements involving insecurity and terrorism?

Do you believe dialogue and rehabilitation can help solve insecurity in Nigeria?
Or should the government focus mainly on military action?