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Sheikh Gumi calls for an immediate end to Nigeria–US military cooperation
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Cleric warns US airstrikes could worsen insecurity and undermine sovereignty
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Says Nigeria has capacity to tackle terrorism without foreign intervention
Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has urged the Federal Government to immediately suspend all military cooperation with the United States following reports of US airstrikes, warning that such involvement could aggravate Nigeria’s security challenges.
Gumi made the call in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Friday, where he cautioned that foreign military intervention often comes with hidden political interests and risks civilian casualties.
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According to him, while Islam permits the fight against terrorism, such efforts must be carried out by what he described as “clean hands,” arguing that the United States lacks the moral authority to lead counterterrorism operations due to its global military record.
The cleric warned that allowing Nigeria to become a theatre of war could attract anti-US forces into the country, further destabilising already fragile regions and deepening insecurity.
He also expressed concern that US involvement, particularly under the guise of protecting Christians, could heighten religious tensions and polarise the country along sectarian lines.
Gumi stressed that airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism, noting that effective counterterrorism depends on strong and coordinated ground operations. He maintained that Nigeria has sufficient manpower to handle its security challenges if properly organised and equipped.
“This is the mistake Nigeria has made. Terrorists do not truly fight terrorists; they often kill innocent people and pursue ulterior motives under the guise of fighting terror,” he said.
He added that no country should allow its territory to be used as a battlefield or permit foreign powers to turn neighbouring states into enemies.
“If Nigeria requires military assistance, countries like China, Turkey and Pakistan can offer effective support,” Gumi stated.
