Banditry: Sheikh Gumi backs forest security force, cautions against aerial strikes
An Islamic cleric, Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, has expressed support for the creation of the Nigerian Forest Security Service as a strategy to flush out armed cr!m!n@ls from forested areas across the country.
Speaking during his Ramadan Tafsir on Tuesday in Kaduna, the cleric endorsed the deployment of decisive ground-based force by the proposed outfit, while cautioning authorities against the use of aerial bombardments in forest operations.
He referenced a past incident in Tudun Biri, within Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where residents were reportedly k!lled during a mistaken air operation by the Nigerian Air Force. According to him, such operations risk harming civilians who live in or near forest communities.
Gumi said confronting banditry requires firm, coordinated action, but warned that the deployment of bombs in forests could expose innocent populations to grave danger. He argued that ground intelligence and targeted enforcement would better protect civilian lives.
The cleric further observed that bandit groups operating in parts of the country have become increasingly violent, attributing the trend to external influences aimed at destabilising Nigeria. He said this development appeared to validate earlier warnings that such groups could evolve into full-fledged terrorist organisations if not decisively addressed.
He called on authorities to adopt strategies that would effectively dislodge cr!m!n@ls from forest enclaves while prioritising civilian protection and accountability in security operations.
