Gumi supports NFSS, cautions against air strikes following Tudun Biri incident

Prominent Islamic scholar, Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, has thrown his weight behind the creation of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), saying the outfit will help flush out bandits hiding in forests across the country.

Gumi made his position known on Tuesday while speaking during his Ramadan Tafsir in Kaduna. He said the establishment of the proposed security body would strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity, especially in areas where criminals operate from thick forests.

The cleric urged the new outfit to apply decisive military force against criminal elements, stressing that firm action is necessary to restore peace and protect innocent Nigerians.

However, he cautioned security agencies against relying on aerial bombardments in their operations. According to him, such tactics could lead to the loss of innocent lives, as civilians living in affected communities may be caught in the attacks.

Gumi maintained that while strong measures are needed to combat banditry, operations must be carefully planned to avoid harming non-combatants.

He cited the tragic incident at Tudun Biri in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where more than 100 residents were reportedly killed in a mistaken airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force.

According to the cleric, while confronting banditry requires firm and coordinated action, the deployment of bombs in forest operations poses significant risks to innocent communities residing within or around affected areas.

Gumi observed that bandits operating in parts of the country had become increasingly dangerous and brutal, attributing the development to alleged external influences aimed at destabilising the nation.

He said the trend appeared to validate his earlier concerns that bandit groups could evolve into full-fledged terrorist organisations if not decisively addressed.

The cleric also called on the authorities to adopt strategies that would effectively dislodge criminal elements from forest enclaves while ensuring the protection of civilian lives. (NAN)

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