Gumi Reacts To Defence Minister’s ‘My Men Are Tired’ Remark, Cites Civilian Deaths From Airstrikes
Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised the Federal Government’s approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria, arguing that greater attention should be given to dialogue and non-military strategies following Defence Minister General Christopher Musa’s remark that soldiers were tired.
Gumi expressed his concerns in a Facebook post on Monday, November 9, 2026, where he questioned the effectiveness of relying heavily on military operations to address the country’s security challenges.
According to the cleric, the situation could have been different if the government had properly implemented non-kinetic measures, particularly dialogue and other peaceful approaches to resolving conflicts.
He also compared the use of military force against poorly equipped armed groups to using a ‘hammer to kill a fly’, suggesting that excessive military action could produce unintended consequences.
Gumi further warned that military operations resulting in civilian casualties could create sympathy for armed groups and allow perpetrators to portray themselves as victims, potentially complicating efforts to restore peace.
To support his argument, he referenced the December 2023 military airstrike in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, which reportedly killed at least 85 people. He also cited the 2017 airstrike in Rann, Borno State, where 52 people were reportedly killed.
Additionally, the Islamic cleric referred to studies documenting erroneous military airstrikes affecting civilians in at least 18 communities between 2014 and 2024.
He maintained that these incidents demonstrated the need for the government to reconsider its security strategy and strengthen alternative approaches alongside military operations.
Gumi’s comments come amid ongoing national concerns over insecurity and the challenges facing security agencies in their efforts to protect lives and property.
COURTESY: Yinka001
