“Bandits Should Not Be Bombed” — Sheikh Gumi Issues Warning Against Airstrikes

‎Islamic cleric Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi has warned security agencies against the use of aerial bombardment in the fight against banditry across Nigeria.

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‎He spoke during his Ramadan Tafsir on Tuesday night in Kaduna while supporting the creation of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) as a specialised force to combat criminals hiding in forests.

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‎Gumi said bombing forest areas could lead to the loss of innocent lives.

‎He noted that many civilians live within or around forest communities where bandits operate, making airstrikes highly dangerous.

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‎According to him, tackling banditry requires strong and coordinated action, but such efforts must avoid methods that could harm non-combatants.

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‎He stressed that protecting civilians should remain a top priority in all security operations.

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‎The cleric referred to the deadly incident in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where over 100 residents were reportedly killed during a mistaken airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force.

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‎He described the tragedy as a painful example of why bombing forest zones should be reconsidered.

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‎Despite his concerns, Gumi said the proposed NFSS must still use firm and decisive force against criminal groups.

‎He maintained that bandits have become more violent and organised in recent times.

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‎Gumi further alleged that external influences were helping to strengthen bandit groups, warning that such gangs could transform into terrorist organisations if not urgently checked.

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‎He urged the government to adopt security strategies that would flush criminals out of forest hideouts without exposing nearby communities to danger.

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‎The cleric also renewed his call for dialogue and other non-military measures alongside enforcement, saying sustainable peace cannot be achieved through force alone.

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