Dropping A Few Bombs Here And There Cannot Tackle The Menace Of Terror-Gumi Tells What Nigeria Needs

In a recent post on his official Facebook page, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric, has criticised what he described as ineffective counterterrorism tactics in Nigeria, insisting that aerial bombardments alone cannot defeat terrorism without a strong and committed ground force.

Gumi said reliance on sporadic airstrikes has failed to curb the menace of insurgency and banditry across affected regions. “Meanwhile, dropping a few bombs here and there cannot tackle the menace of terror,” he said. “They need serious military on the ground.”

According to the cleric, Nigeria already has sufficient manpower within its armed forces to confront security threats decisively, if deployed with the right strategy and political will. He argued that the issue is not a lack of personnel, but the absence of coordinated, sustained operations that prioritise intelligence, accountability and civilian protection. “If we are serious, we have enough men to do that,” Gumi stated.

He warned that overreliance on air power often leads to unintended consequences, including civilian casualties and the destruction of livelihoods, which can further fuel resentment and insecurity. “Bombing from the air without effective ground engagement only treats the symptoms, not the disease,” he said, adding that such tactics may worsen mistrust between communities and security forces.

Gumi also called for greater transparency and documentation of military operations, particularly in areas affected by violence. He urged residents of impacted communities to help bring clarity to events on the ground. “We call on all villages affected to upload videos and pictures of any casualties involved,” he said.

According to him, proper documentation can help expose abuses, counter misinformation and ensure accountability from all parties involved in security operations. He noted that civilians often bear the brunt of conflicts but their experiences are rarely fully reported. “The voices and evidence from these communities matter,” Gumi added.

The cleric stressed that defeating terrorism requires a comprehensive approach that combines effective military presence, intelligence-driven operations and respect for human rights. He urged authorities to reassess their strategy and focus on measures that genuinely protect lives. “Security must be about safeguarding people, not just showcasing firepower,” Gumi said.

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