Islamic cleric Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi has warned security agencies against the use of aerial bombardment in the fight against banditry across Nigeria.
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.
According to him, tackling banditry requires strong and coordinated action, but such efforts must avoid methods that could harm non-combatants.
He stressed that protecting civilians should remain a top priority in all security operations.
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.
He described the tragedy as a painful example of why bombing forest zones should be reconsidered.
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.
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.
He urged the government to adopt security strategies that would flush criminals out of forest hideouts without exposing nearby communities to danger.
The cleric also renewed his call for dialogue and other non-military measures alongside enforcement, saying sustainable peace cannot be achieved through force alone.