Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend all military cooperation with the United States following reports of U.S. airstrikes against terrorist targets in Nigeria.
Gumi warned that American military involvement could worsen Nigeria’s security situation and undermine the country’s sovereignty, cautioning against turning the nation into a battlefield for foreign powers.
The cleric made the call in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Friday, reacting to reports that U.S. forces had carried out airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS) elements in north-west Nigeria.
While acknowledging that Islam permits the fight against terrorism, Gumi argued that such efforts must be undertaken by what he described as “clean hands,” insisting that the United States lacks the moral authority to lead counterterrorism operations because of its global military record.
According to him, Nigeria made a grave mistake by allowing foreign powers to participate in its counterterrorism campaign, stressing that external interventions often mask political interests and lead to civilian casualties.
“This is the mistake Nigeria has made. Terrorists do not truly fight terrorists; they often end up killing innocent people while pursuing ulterior motives under the pretext of fighting terror,” Gumi said.
He further warned that allowing U.S. military operations on Nigerian soil could draw anti-American forces into the country, escalating violence and further destabilising already fragile regions.
“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to become a theatre of war, and no country should permit its neighbours to become its enemies,” he added.
Gumi also cautioned that U.S. involvement in Nigeria’s security affairs—particularly under the narrative of protecting Christians—could deepen religious divisions in the country, which is already grappling with complex ethno-religious tensions.
The cleric argued that airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism, stressing that sustainable counterterrorism efforts require effective ground operations. He maintained that Nigeria has sufficient manpower to tackle insurgency if properly coordinated and supported.
“If Nigeria seeks military assistance, China, Turkey and Pakistan can effectively provide such support,” he said.
The United States carried out multiple airstrikes on ISIS militants in north-west Nigeria. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the operation on Thursday, stating that the strikes targeted fighters accused of killing mainly Christians in the region.
