Gumi Reveals Why Military Action Alone May Not End Nigeria’s Insecurity

Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has warned that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity cannot be defeated through military operations alone, insisting that deeper social, economic and governance challenges must also be addressed.

Gumi made the remarks in a Facebook post while examining the underlying factors driving insecurity across the country.

According to him, the government must look beyond individual attacks and confront the conditions that allow criminal groups to survive and operate.

He identified poor education, weak moral upbringing, declining empathy and a lack of civic responsibility as some of the factors contributing to the crisis.

Gumi also pointed to Nigeria’s widening economic inequality, warning that the contrast between extreme wealth and widespread poverty could fuel frustration and resentment among citizens.

“We have a situation in which some Nigerians struggle to find enough food for the day, while others possess private jets and enormous wealth,” he said.

The cleric argued that Nigeria needs an economy capable of creating opportunities for ordinary citizens, rewarding hard work and reducing extreme poverty.

He further warned that criminal groups can easily establish themselves in communities where government presence and security coverage are weak.

“Where government presence is weak or absent, criminal elements can establish themselves, operate freely, and terrorize surrounding communities,” he said.

Gumi welcomed the creation of additional territorial army divisions and forest guards, saying stronger security coverage could help prevent forests and rural areas from becoming hideouts for criminal elements.

However, he maintained that military force alone would not permanently resolve the country’s security challenges.

“We must address both the symptoms and the underlying causes,” Gumi said.