Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has criticised the United States’ recent airstrikes on terrorist camps in north-western Nigeria, describing them as potentially polarising and harmful to the country’s sovereignty.
His comments followed an announcement by US President Donald Trump that American forces had carried out “numerous deadly strikes” in the region. Trump said the strikes targeted Islamic State terrorists allegedly attacking Christians. The Federal Government subsequently confirmed continued security and intelligence cooperation with the US.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the collaboration that led to the precision airstrikes involved intelligence sharing and strategic coordination, conducted in line with international law and with respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty. It added that all counter-terrorism efforts prioritise civilian protection and national unity.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Gumi acknowledged that eliminating terrorists is an Islamic obligation, citing the Prophet Muhammad’s stance against such groups. However, he argued that such actions should be carried out by “clean, holy hands” rather than foreign powers, which he accused of having a history of killing innocent civilians.
The cleric urged the Federal Government to suspend military cooperation with the US and instead seek assistance from what he described as neutral countries such as China, Turkey, and Pakistan. He also said airstrikes alone cannot effectively combat terrorism, stressing that Nigeria has sufficient manpower for ground operations.
“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to become a theatre of war, and no nation should turn its neighbours into enemies,” he said. “If Nigeria needs military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively.”
Gumi warned that US involvement could attract anti-US forces and turn Nigeria into a battlefield. He added that claims of intervening to “protect Christians” could further divide the country and undermine its sovereignty. He called for an immediate halt to military cooperation with the US, citing what he described as its imperial tendencies, and said the issue could feature prominently in the 2027 political discourse.
He also called on communities affected by the airstrikes to share videos and images of any casualties.
Additionally, Gumi criticised the reported airstrikes on Sokoto, a predominantly Muslim area, describing them as symbolic of a neo-Crusade against Islam. He questioned the focus on the area, arguing that regions such as Maiduguri face more immediate terrorist threats.
“The attacks are symbolic of a harbinger neo-Crusade war against Islam,” he said. “An attack on Sokoto, where about 90 per cent of the population is Muslim and where there is no imminent terror threat, while the real danger is in Maiduguri, raises serious questions. We believe the terror is manufactured and sustained by the same people claiming to fight it.”
