Islamic scholar Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi has endorsed the establishment of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) as a measure to flush out bandits from forests across the country.
Speaking during his Ramadan Tafsir on Tuesday in Kaduna, Gumi urged the proposed outfit to deploy decisive force in tackling criminal elements operating in forested areas.
However, he cautioned against the use of aerial bombardments in such operations, warning that they could lead to civilian casualties. He referenced the incident in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where over 100 residents were reportedly killed in a mistaken airstrike.
According to the cleric, while confronting banditry requires firm and coordinated action, the use of bombs in forest operations poses significant risks to innocent communities living within or around the affected areas.
Gumi observed that bandit groups in parts of the country had become increasingly violent and dangerous, attributing the trend to alleged external influences aimed at destabilising the nation.
He noted that the situation appeared to validate earlier concerns that bandit groups could evolve into full-fledged terrorist organisations if not decisively addressed.
The cleric called on authorities to adopt strategies capable of dislodging criminal elements from forest enclaves while prioritising the protection of civilian lives.Tools