Controversial Islamic preacher Ahmad Gumi endorsed establishing the Nigerian Forest Security Service to flush out bandits from forests across the country.

The cleric also urged the proposed outfit to deploy decisive military force to tackle criminal elements.

Speaking during his Ramadan Tafsir on Tuesday in Kaduna, Mr Gumi cautioned against using aerial bombardments, warning that such operations could result in civilian casualties.

He cited the tragic incident at Tudun Biri in Igabi LGA of Kaduna, where the Nigerian Air Force reportedly killed more than 100 residents in an accidental airstrike.

According to the cleric, confronting bandits requires firm and coordinated action, but deploying bombs in forest operations poses significant risks to innocent communities residing within or around affected areas.

Mr Gumi observed that bandits operating in parts of the country had become increasingly dangerous and brutal, attributing this development to alleged external influences aimed at destabilising the nation.

He said the trend appeared to validate his earlier concerns that bandits could evolve into full-fledged terrorist organisations, if not decisively addressed.

The cleric also called on the authorities to adopt strategies to effectively dislodge criminal elements from forest enclaves while protecting civilian lives.

(NAN)