Insecurity: Bandits Must Not Be Bombed – Sheikh Gumi Issues Fresh Warnings

Islamic scholar Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi has cautioned Nigeria’s security forces against relying on aerial bombardments in their campaign against banditry.

Speaking during his Ramadan Tafsir in Kaduna, Gumi expressed support for the establishment of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), a proposed specialised outfit aimed at tackling criminals operating from forested areas. However, he warned that airstrikes in such locations could result in significant civilian casualties.

He explained that many innocent residents live in or around forest communities where armed groups are active, making aerial attacks extremely risky. According to him, while decisive and coordinated action is necessary to confront banditry, operations must be carefully designed to avoid harming non-combatants.

The cleric referenced the tragic incident in Tudun Biri, in Igabi, where more than 100 people were reportedly killed during an accidental airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force. He described the episode as a painful reminder of the dangers associated with bombing forest regions.

Despite his reservations about aerial assaults, Gumi maintained that any new security outfit, including the NFSS, must take firm and effective action against criminal elements. He noted that bandit groups have grown increasingly organised and violent.

Gumi also alleged that outside forces are contributing to the growing strength of these armed gangs, warning that they risk evolving into full-fledged terrorist organisations if swift intervention is not undertaken.

He urged the government to adopt security measures capable of dislodging criminals from forest hideouts without putting surrounding communities at risk. In addition, he reiterated his longstanding call for dialogue and non-military approaches to complement enforcement efforts, arguing that lasting peace cannot be secured through force alone.