Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised recent United States airstrikes on terrorist camps in North-West Nigeria, warning that the action could deepen national divisions and undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Gumi’s comments followed an announcement by US President Donald Trump that American forces carried out what he described as “numerous deadly strikes” against Islamic State elements in the region.
Trump said the strikes targeted terrorists allegedly attacking Christians, a position echoed by the Federal Government, which confirmed ongoing security and intelligence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the partnership, which produced precision air operations, is based on intelligence sharing and strategic coordination conducted in line with international law and with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty. It added that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the protection of civilians and the preservation of national unity.
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In a Facebook post on Friday, Gumi said eliminating terrorists is an Islamic duty, citing teachings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad that condemn violent extremism.
However, he argued that such actions should be carried out by “clean, holy hands,” insisting that foreign powers with a history of civilian casualties should not lead operations on Nigerian soil.
The cleric urged the Federal Government to discontinue military cooperation with the United States and instead seek support from what he described as neutral countries, including China, Turkey and Pakistan. He maintained that airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism and that Nigeria has sufficient manpower for sustained ground operations.
“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to become a theatre of war, nor allow its neighbours to become its enemies,” Gumi said. “US involvement will attract real anti-US forces and turn Nigeria into a battlefield. Framing the intervention as protection for Christians will polarise the country and infringe on our sovereignty.”
He further warned that the issue could become politicised ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that Nigeria should rely on its own capacity and neutral allies rather than what he described as America’s “imperial tendencies.”
Gumi also criticised the choice of Sokoto State for the strikes, describing the area as predominantly Muslim and questioning the claim of imminent terrorist threats there.
“The attacks are symbolic of a neo-Crusade against Islam,” he said, arguing that regions facing more severe terror threats, such as Maiduguri, should have been prioritised. He added that the timing of the strikes on Christmas Eve and the narrative surrounding them raised troubling questions about the motives behind the operation.
