Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on the Federal Government to immediately discontinue all forms of military cooperation with the United States following reports of U.S. airstrikes linked to Nigeria’s security situation.
Gumi warned that American involvement in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts could aggravate the country’s security challenges and erode its national sovereignty.
The cleric made his position known in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Friday. While acknowledging that Islam permits the fight against terrorism, he argued that such efforts should only be carried out by actors with what he described as “clean hands.”
According to Gumi, the United States lacks the moral standing to lead anti-terrorism operations, citing its history of military interventions across the world. He maintained that Nigeria erred by allowing foreign powers to play roles in its counterterrorism campaign, insisting that such interventions often come with hidden political interests and result in civilian casualties.
He further cautioned that turning Nigeria into a theatre of war could attract anti-U.S. elements into the country, thereby worsening instability.
Gumi also expressed concern that U.S. involvement, especially under the guise of protecting Christians, could deepen religious divisions and polarise the nation.
The cleric stressed that airstrikes alone are insufficient to defeat terrorism, noting that effective counterterrorism requires well-coordinated ground operations. He added that Nigeria has enough manpower to handle its security challenges if properly organised.
“No nation should allow its land to become a theatre of war, and no nation should permit its neighbours to be its enemies,” Gumi said.
He suggested that if Nigeria requires external military assistance, countries such as China, Turkey, and Pakistan would be more suitable partners.
