According to a report by the Cable on Monday, May 25, 2026, Speaking at a press briefing held at his Kaduna residence on Monday, Gumi advocated for a shift in strategy in tackling insecurity, urging authorities to replicate the rehabilitation model applied to former Boko Haram fighters who surrendered to government forces.
He argued that Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on military operations has not succeeded in curbing banditry or insurgency, despite years of effort.
Gumi questioned the effectiveness of the current approach, stating, “If the kinetic approach is not working for 17 years, why don’t you change the approach? Let’s change the method.”
According to him, continuing with the same tactics without meaningful results only prolongs the crisis.
He further referenced measures taken in Katsina State, suggesting they could serve as a basis for a new direction.
“Because what Katsina did is to bring the bandits, give them money, and let them go with the rebels. Why don’t we change the method? Let’s engage them,” he said, emphasizing dialogue and non-violent engagement as possible alternatives.
Gumi also proposed social interventions aimed at weakening the roots of banditry. “Let’s dislodge them from the forest. Let’s take their children and put them in school. Let’s do something different,” he added, stressing the importance of education and reintegration in addressing the problem sustainably.
However, he expressed skepticism about the political will to implement such changes, suggesting financial motives often drive decision-making.
“But you see, when you want money to be spent, when you want a budget to be spent, that is when it will come,” he remarked, implying that resource allocation priorities may hinder meaningful reform….See More
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