Sheikh Gumi Endorses NFSS, Urges End to Airstrikes After Tudun Biri Drone Tragedy

 

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, has thrown his weight behind the proposed Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), describing it as a vital specialised force to tackle criminal elements hiding in forests.

Speaking during his Ramadan Tafsir session on Tuesday night in Kaduna, Sheikh Gumi urged the federal government to establish the NFSS promptly. He emphasised that the outfit must deploy firm and decisive military action against bandits and other criminals operating in remote forest areas.

However, the prominent scholar issued a strong warning against the continued use of aerial bombardments in anti-banditry operations. He cited the devastating Tudun Biri incident in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State as a stark reminder of the risks involved.

In December 2023, a Nigerian Air Force drone strike mistakenly targeted civilians gathered for a Maulud celebration in Tudun Biri, killing over 100 residents (with official figures citing at least 88 deaths and dozens injured). The military described it as a tragic error, attributing it to misinterpretation of activities on the ground during routine patrols. The incident drew widespread condemnation and calls for accountability, with investigations launched and some compensation efforts initiated by authorities.

Sheikh Gumi described the Tudun Biri tragedy as a "painful example" of why bombing forest zones and similar areas should be reconsidered. He stressed that protecting innocent civilians must remain the top priority in all security operations, arguing that indiscriminate airstrikes often lead to collateral damage and erode public trust.

"Bandits should not be bombed," Gumi reportedly stated, advocating instead for more targeted, ground-based approaches through specialised units like the proposed NFSS. Despite his opposition to aerial tactics, he maintained that the new service should not shy away from using decisive force where necessary to confront criminal groups effectively.

The NFSS proposal has gained traction amid ongoing insecurity in Nigeria's North-West, where banditry, kidnappings, and clashes have persisted despite military operations. Proponents argue that a dedicated forest-focused security outfit, equipped and trained specifically for such terrains, could yield better results than broad aerial campaigns.

Sheikh Gumi's comments come at a time when debates on counter-insurgency strategies continue, balancing aggressive tactics with civilian safety. His endorsement of NFSS, paired with criticism of airstrikes, may influence discussions around security reforms in bandit-prone regions.

Security analysts note that while ground operations reduce risks of mistaken identity, they pose greater dangers to personnel. The Tudun Biri incident remains a reference point in calls for improved intelligence, technology, and rules of engagement in military operations.

No immediate response has been issued by the Nigerian military or federal government to Sheikh Gumi's latest remarks.

This developing story highlights the complex challenges in addressing Nigeria's security threats while safeguarding civilian lives. Further updates are expected as the NFSS proposal advances.