Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend all forms of military cooperation with the United States following reports of US airstrikes linked to Nigeria’s security operations.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Friday, Gumi warned that American involvement in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts could aggravate the country’s security challenges and undermine national sovereignty.
The cleric argued that although Islam permits the fight against terrorism, such actions must be carried out by actors with what he described as “clean hands.” He insisted that the United States lacks the moral authority to lead counterterrorism campaigns, citing its global military record.
According to Gumi, Nigeria made a strategic error by opening its counterterrorism space to foreign powers, noting that external interventions often carry hidden political interests and tend to result in civilian casualties rather than lasting solutions.
“This is the mistake Nigeria has made. Terrorists don’t fight terrorists in truth; they may only kill innocent people and have ulterior motives behind the drama of fighting ‘terror’,” he said.
Gumi cautioned that allowing Nigeria to become a theatre of war could attract anti-US forces into the country, further destabilising an already fragile security environment. He also warned that US involvement—particularly when framed around the protection of Christians—could deepen religious divisions.
“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be a theater of war. And no nation should allow its neighbors to be their enemies,” he added.
The cleric further maintained that airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism, arguing that effective counterterrorism relies on coordinated and intelligence-driven ground operations. He said Nigeria has sufficient manpower to tackle its security challenges if properly organised.
“If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively,” Gumi concluded.
