Prominent Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has come under heavy criticism from Nigerians following comments suggesting that ransom payments could be considered as part of efforts to secure the release of kidnapping victims.
The remarks, which circulated widely on social media and across public discourse, sparked outrage among citizens, security analysts and civil society groups, many of whom argued that negotiating with kidnappers would further embolden criminal gangs operating across the country.
Gumi reportedly maintained that saving lives should remain the priority in abduction cases, even if it involves making financial concessions to armed groups. He also suggested that dialogue and non-military approaches could help reduce insecurity in parts of the country affected by banditry and kidnapping.
However, critics insisted that ransom payments have contributed to the growth of kidnapping-for-profit in Nigeria, where criminal gangs frequently target students, commuters, religious leaders and rural communities.
Several Nigerians took to social media to condemn the cleric’s position, arguing that such comments undermine ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat kidnapping and terrorism financing. Others accused him of appearing sympathetic to criminal groups, though some supporters defended his comments as a pragmatic response to the realities faced by victims’ families.
Security experts also warned that paying ransom often strengthens the operational capacity of kidnappers by providing funds for weapons, logistics and recruitment.
The Federal Government has repeatedly maintained that it does not support the payment of ransom to kidnappers. Authorities have also warned that financing criminal groups could worsen insecurity and encourage further abductions.
Nigeria has witnessed a sharp rise in kidnapping incidents in recent years, particularly in the North-West and parts of the North-Central region, with many families forced to negotiate privately for the release of relatives due to delays in rescue operations.
Human rights advocates noted that while families often face desperate situations, institutionalising ransom payments could create long-term security risks and weaken the rule of law.
Despite the backlash, Gumi has continued to advocate dialogue as part of a broader strategy to address insecurity, a position he has repeatedly defended in past interventions involving armed groups in northern Nigeria.
The debate generated by his latest comments highlights the continuing national divide over how best to tackle kidnapping, banditry and violent crime, as authorities struggle to contain worsening insecurity across several parts of the country.
