An influential Islamic scholar has endorsed the Nigerian government’s plan to create a dedicated forest security unit to combat armed banditry, while urging a measured approach to avoid civilian casualties. Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, a prominent cleric, voiced support for the proposed Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) during his Ramadan lecture in Kaduna, stating that decisive military action is necessary to flush out criminal groups from forest enclaves.
However, Gumi cautioned against the use of aerial bombardments in such operations. He cited the tragic incident in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, where a Nigerian Air Force airstrike last year killed more than 100 residents, as a stark example of the risks posed to non-combatants. The cleric emphasized that while bandits have become increasingly brutal and pose a severe threat, bombing campaigns in forested areas inhabited by nearby communities could lead to similar disasters.
Gumi argued that the evolving nature of banditry, which he linked to external influences aimed at destabilizing Nigeria, risks transforming these criminal gangs into full-fledged terrorist organizations if not addressed with a comprehensive strategy. He called on security authorities to adopt tactics that effectively dislodge armed groups from their forest bases while prioritizing the protection of civilian lives.
The endorsement from Gumi, a figure known for engaging with security issues, adds religious and community perspective to the government’s security planning. His stance underscores a critical tension in Nigeria’s fight against banditry: the need for robust force against highly mobile criminal networks versus the imperative to safeguard innocent populations often caught in conflict zones. The NFSS, if formalized, will be tasked with securing vast, often inaccessible forest territories that have served as hideouts for kidnappers and raiders.
The cleric’s remarks highlight a broader national debate on military tactics in asymmetric warfare. Observers note that any new security outfit will require precise intelligence and ground coordination to minimize collateral damage, learning from past incidents that have fueled public distrust. As Nigeria grapples with widespread banditry, particularly in the northwest and north-central regions, Gumi’s conditional support points to the necessity of a balanced security policy that combines strength with caution. The government’s next steps in structuring the NFSS will be closely watched for how they integrate such community safety concerns into operational protocols.
