Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has stirred fresh debate on Nigeria’s insecurity by claiming that modern kidnapping gangs and bandit groups were influenced by earlier criminal figures, particularly the notorious kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans. Evans became widely known after his arrest in 2017 for orchestrating high-profile kidnappings in Lagos, where wealthy victims were abducted and large ransom payments demanded. According to Gumi, Evans’ operations exposed a “model” of organised kidnapping that later criminal groups studied and adapted across different parts of the country.
Gumi made this claim while reacting to reports of illegal arms manufacturing sites discovered in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. Security forces under Operation Enduring Peace reportedly uncovered workshops allegedly used to produce weapons for violent attacks. Items recovered included fabricated AK-47 rifles, magazine parts, and other improvised firearms, allegedly linked to suspected militia elements in the region.
The cleric’s argument suggests that criminal innovation, once introduced, can spread and evolve among different groups, especially in environments where law enforcement is weak or inconsistent. By referencing Evans, he is highlighting how organized crime can create a template that others imitate, leading to wider insecurity. However, the situation in Plateau also reflects deeper issues beyond imitation, including local conflicts, illegal arms production, and ongoing communal violence. Security agencies continue to intensify operations aimed at dismantling these networks, but challenges remain significant due to the spread of weapons and the complexity of criminal alliances across regions……See More
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