Sheikh Gumi Warns Against Airstrikes on Bandits, Backs Forest Security Service

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Mahmoud Gumi

Sheikh Gumi Warns Against Airstrikes on Bandits, Backs Forest Security Service

Islamic cleric Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi has issued a stern warning to Nigerian security agencies against the use of airstrikes and aerial bombardment in the fight against banditry and forest-based criminal gangs, highlighting the risk to innocent civilians and local communities. His comments came during a Ramadan Tafsir on Tuesday night in Kaduna, where he also expressed support for the proposed Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), a specialised force designed to tackle criminals hiding in forests.

Gumi explained that many civilians live in or around forest communities where bandits operate, making air campaigns highly dangerous. He emphasised that while tackling banditry requires firm and coordinated action, operations must avoid harming non-combatants. Protecting civilians, he said, should remain a top priority in all security efforts.

READ ALSO:

The cleric referred to the Tudun Biri incident in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where a mistaken airstrike reportedly killed over 100 residents. Gumi described the tragedy as a painful reminder of the dangers of bombing forest zones, arguing that such tactics could worsen insecurity and fuel resentment among affected communities.

Despite his concerns about aerial attacks, Gumi urged that the NFSS must still use decisive force against bandit groups, acknowledging that criminals have become increasingly violent, organised, and sophisticated. He warned that external influences are strengthening these gangs, and if unchecked, they could evolve into terrorist organisations.

The cleric called for security strategies that would flush criminals out of forest hideouts without endangering nearby communities, emphasising the importance of precision ground operations, intelligence-led tactics, and community protection measures. He also renewed his call for dialogue and non-military approaches, insisting that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through force alone and that addressing root causes like poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation is essential.

Gumi’s remarks have intensified discussions about Nigeria’s approach to banditry, highlighting the delicate balance between military operations and civilian protection. Analysts say his position underscores the need for a comprehensive security strategy that combines enforcement with community engagement to achieve long-term stability in the Northwest and other affected regions.