Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised recent United States airstrikes on suspected terrorist camps in north-western Nigeria, warning that the action could polarise the country and undermine its sovereignty.
Gumi’s comments followed confirmation by the Federal Government that Nigeria is cooperating with the US on security and intelligence, leading to precision airstrikes targeting Islamic State-linked groups. US President Donald Trump had earlier announced that American forces carried out “numerous deadly strikes” against terrorists said to be attacking Christians.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday, Gumi acknowledged that fighting terrorism is an obligation in Islam but argued that such actions should be carried out by Nigeria, not foreign powers. He cautioned that foreign military involvement, particularly by the US, could draw Nigeria into broader conflicts and inflame religious and political tensions.
He urged the Federal Government to suspend military cooperation with the US and instead seek assistance from what he described as “neutral countries” such as China, Turkey and Pakistan. According to him, airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism, insisting that Nigeria has sufficient manpower to conduct effective ground operations if properly mobilised.
Gumi also criticised reported strikes in Sokoto, a predominantly Muslim area, describing them as symbolic and potentially provocative. He questioned the focus on such locations while areas with long-standing insurgency threats remain in the North-East.
The cleric warned that continued US involvement in Nigeria’s security operations could become a divisive political issue ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling on authorities to prioritise national unity and sovereignty in tackling insecurity.
