- Sheikh Gumi criticizes spending on World War II weapons for insurgency, advocates non-kinetic strategies, and emphasizes the origin of banditry in social issues
- He calls for honest dialogue with perpetrators, opposes military intervention in internal security, and urges investment in social infrastructure and negotiation
Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric and former military officer, has criticized the practice of spending substantial amounts on World War II weapons to combat insurgency, deeming it archaic.
During an interview, Sheikh Gumi underscored the necessity for the government to shift its focus towards developing non-kinetic strategies to address the ongoing security challenges. He emphasized that banditry, which he considers a social problem, originated from the longstanding farmer-herder crisis in the Northern regions. Sheikh Gumi advocated for an honest dialogue with the perpetrators as a viable solution to the menace.
Addressing the recent military bombardment incident in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, Sheikh Gumi expressed his belief that the military should refrain from intervening in internal security challenges. He suggested redirecting resources towards strengthening the police force to effectively tackle issues like banditry.
“This is not the first time such is happening. The military should fight the military. Tank by tank. Jet by jet. Military should be out of fighting insecurity. We are not fighting Cameroon or Togo,” he remarked.
Sheikh Gumi stressed the need for comprehensive policies and robust policing, advocating for community policing as an effective approach. He questioned the allocation of substantial funds for acquiring outdated weaponry, urging the government to consider negotiation and investment in social infrastructure.
“Negotiate with these people. Build for them schools and hospitals. Let them have a future. Build for them markets. Even the people we call bandits complain that they no longer have cattle markets because whenever they establish a market, it gets destroyed,” Sheikh Gumi asserted.
In conclusion, he urged a departure from archaic methodologies, asserting that internal security challenges demand a more nuanced and modernized approach.
Discussion about this post