Prominent Islamic cleric, Ahmad Abubakar Mahmoud Gumi, has denied allegations linking him to statements supporting banditry and violent criminal groups in Nigeria, insisting that videos and messages being circulated online were manipulated and false.
The cleric made the clarification in a press statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Saturday amid renewed public debate over his past comments and engagements relating to insecurity in northern Nigeria.
Gumi described the allegations against him as malicious attempts to mislead Nigerians and damage his reputation.
According to him, some individuals and online content creators had deliberately distorted his media interviews and public comments on insecurity for personal and sectional interests.
He accused those behind the materials of using misleading headlines and edited clips to attract attention and increase online traffic.
The cleric said such actions were unfair and insensitive considering the pain suffered by victims of banditry and violent attacks across the country.
“I have observed with concern that some of my media interviews and public discussions on insecurity and banditry are being deliberately misrepresented,” he stated.
He alleged that the people circulating the materials included “ethnic-interest groups, individuals driven by prejudice, and sectional internet content creators.”
According to him, the aim was to create controversy through “sensational and outrageous headlines” at the expense of truth and national unity.
Gumi stated clearly that he had never supported banditry, kidnapping or any form of criminal violence in Nigeria.
“I hereby state unequivocally that any video clip, written statement, or message attributed to me, whether directly or by innuendo, suggesting support for, justification of, protection of, or advocacy for banditry in Nigeria or anywhere else does not emanate from me,” he said.
The cleric urged Nigerians, media organisations and government authorities to ignore the materials currently circulating online against him.
“I therefore urge the general public, the media, and the Nigerian state to disregard such fake, manipulated, and doctored materials currently in circulation,” he added.
He also warned that anyone who continues to circulate the alleged falsehoods after the release of his statement could face legal action.
Although he did not mention any individual or platform specifically, the cleric said his legal team was monitoring the situation.
Gumi further expressed sympathy for victims of violence and insecurity across the country, saying he remained committed to peace and national unity.
“I sincerely hope that our great nation will heal, and that all victims affected by this violence will find comfort in the collective determination of the nation and the international community to achieve a lasting solution to the insecurity fuelled over time by ignorance, poverty, and widespread social injustice,” he stated.
The issue of banditry and mass kidnappings has remained one of Nigeria’s biggest security challenges in recent years, particularly in parts of the North-West and North-Central regions.
Armed groups commonly referred to as bandits have been linked to attacks on villages, schools, highways and farming communities, leading to thousands of deaths and abductions.
The violence has displaced many rural residents and worsened food insecurity in several northern states.
Over the years, Gumi became one of the most controversial voices in discussions surrounding the crisis because of his direct engagements with some armed groups during peace and dialogue efforts.
At different times, the cleric visited forests and camps occupied by bandits in attempts to negotiate peace and encourage them to surrender their weapons.
While some people viewed his efforts as part of conflict resolution and mediation, others accused him of appearing sympathetic to criminal groups.
His comments during media interviews also attracted criticism from political leaders, civil society organisations and victims of attacks who believed he was too soft on the armed groups.
Supporters of the cleric, however, argued that his involvement was aimed at reducing bloodshed and helping security agencies understand the roots of the crisis.
They maintained that dialogue remains an important part of resolving long-running conflicts.
The debate over negotiations with armed groups has remained a sensitive issue in Nigeria.
While some state governments previously explored peace deals and amnesty programmes with bandits, critics argued that such measures could encourage more criminal activities.
Several governors in the North-West later adopted tougher security measures after repeated attacks continued despite earlier dialogue attempts.
Security agencies have also intensified military operations against armed groups in recent years, with air strikes and ground assaults targeting criminal camps in forests across affected states.
Despite these efforts, kidnappings for ransom and attacks on communities still occur in several areas.
In recent years, Nigerian authorities and media experts have repeatedly warned about the dangers of fake news, manipulated videos and misleading online content capable of inflaming ethnic and religious tensions.
Gumi’s latest statement is expected to renew public debate over his role in conversations surrounding insecurity and the wider challenge of addressing banditry in Nigeria.
The cleric has continued to insist that he supports peace, justice and lawful efforts aimed at ending violence in affected communities.
Meanwhile, security experts have stressed the need for stronger intelligence gathering, poverty reduction programmes and improved law enforcement as part of long-term solutions to insecurity.
Many analysts believe that beyond military action, addressing unemployment, illiteracy and economic hardship remains important in tackling the root causes of violent crimes in parts of the country.
As insecurity continues to affect many communities, calls have also grown for responsible public communication and greater caution against spreading unverified materials capable of worsening tensions.