Prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has strongly criticised the Federal Government’s cooperation with the United States after recent US military air strikes in northwest Nigeria.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Gumi urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immediately end all military cooperation with the United States, warning that foreign involvement in Nigeria’s security challenges could backfire and weaken the country’s sovereignty.
Gumi’s reaction comes after the US confirmed it carried out air strikes against Islamic State–linked militants in Sokoto State, claiming the operation was conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities and targeted fighters accused of attacking Christians.
While the cleric acknowledged that fighting terrorism is permitted under Islam, he argued that such actions must be driven by “clean hands” and genuine intent, not by foreign powers with a long history of military intervention.
He said involving the United States in Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations was “a mistake,” adding that terrorists do not truly fight terrorists and that foreign strikes often cause more harm than good.
Gumi warned that allowing Nigeria to become a “theatre of war” could attract anti‑US forces into the country and further destabilise the region.
He expressed concern that framing the air strikes as a response to violence against Christians could polarise Nigeria along religious lines, undermining unity in the diverse nation.
According to him, foreign military involvement carries hidden political motives and could complicate Nigeria’s internal efforts to address violent extremism.
Gumi also argued that air strikes alone cannot end terrorism, stressing that effective counterterrorism requires robust ground operations rather than foreign bombardment.
The cleric suggested that if Nigeria still seeks external military support, better alternatives would be countries like China, Turkey, or Pakistan, which he believes could offer assistance without geopolitical interference.
His comments reflect growing debate within Nigeria after the recent US strikes, with critics questioning the long‑term impact of foreign military actions on national sovereignty and security.
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