Word for taking the long way round a problem?

Solution 1:

circuitous

(of a route or journey) longer than the most direct way.

‘the canal followed a circuitous route’

figurative ‘a circuitous line of reasoning’

(Oxford)

Figurative example:

‘This preliminary question is best approached by a circuitous route.’

In your situation the route is best not approached in a circuitous manner.

Solution 2:

What about overkill? I've read it several times referring to situations like the one you mention.

o·ver·kill (ō′vər-kĭl′) n.

1. The destructive use of military force beyond the amount needed to destroy an enemy.
2. The excessive use of force in killing an individual or organism.
3. Elimination or drastic reduction of an animal population by hunting or killing.
4. An excess of what is necessary or appropriate for a particular end: "government overkill in dealing with dissent" (Jesse Unruh).

overkill. (n.d.) American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. (2011). Retrieved October 19 2017 from https://www.thefreedictionary.com/overkill

Solution 3:

In taking the 'long way round' a problem (as the question states it) one would be solving the problem in a roundabout way.

'not in a simple, direct, or quick way'

Cambridge Dictionary