By Erewunmi Peace

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has generated public reactions after claiming that many bandits and kidnappers in Nigeria adopted tactics similar to those used by convicted kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans.

Gumi made the remarks while speaking on insecurity and kidnapping operations across the country, suggesting that the methods used by criminal groups may have evolved from patterns popularised by high-profile kidnapping cases in the past.

Evans became widely known in Nigeria following his arrest in Lagos in 2017 over multiple kidnapping allegations involving wealthy individuals and large ransom demands.

The cleric’s comments have sparked debate among Nigerians, with some agreeing that kidnapping tactics have become more organised over the years, while others questioned the basis of the comparison.

Security analysts note that kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria involve complex criminal networks driven by different factors, including armed conflict, economic hardship, and weak security structures.

There has been no official security report confirming Gumi’s claim that bandit groups directly copied tactics from Evans.

The comments nevertheless add to ongoing national conversations surrounding insecurity, kidnapping, and efforts to address violent crimes across the country.

Authorities continue security operations in several regions affected by banditry and related criminal activities.